The weather is usually a lot cooler this time of the year with frosts at night. But this year we went right into summer and have been having temperatures in the 80’s and 90’s, which is very unusual for us in northern Minnesota. So we sucked it up and prayed we wouldn’t get a freezing “surprise” and started planting in earnest.
Yesterday, our friends, Mike and Dara, came over with the plan of helping us out, and boy, did they ever! Mike went right down to the new “rock garden” where Will was busily hauling out the last of this year’s crop of rocks while Dara helped me plant out the last of the tomato varieties … and there were a LOT! After we got that done, we also planted several rows of pole beans.
We all stopped after noon for a break. I fired up the grill and threw on several beautiful rib steaks from the Angus steer we’d had butchered last winter. I’d been saving them for a special occasion. Boy, were they ever good! We all enjoyed the meal and had a nice rest.
Afterward, Mike and Will went back to work in the rock garden, finishing up the fencing around the whole thing while Dara and I finished up the planting for the day. By four, we were all pooped, especially because it was so HOT. But we had done what we’d set out to do and were pleased. It’s so wonderful to have such good homesteading friends who show up — unasked — and help out so much.
Our baby goats are SO cute! Yesterday, the buckling was playing in the plastic sled I use to feed their grain in. He would run up, jump in and slide the whole length on his belly. Over and over, he did it until I was laughing so hard I about peed my pants!
— Jackie
Don’t evenb THINK “hail”. That’s the gardener’s worst enemy which there’s no fighting. We just keep plugging away and it’s amazing at how much really gets done.
The closest we have come to frost the last ten days was last night at 35. We have had lots of clouds so it has stayed pretty cool with only a day or two as high as 60. The ground is almost dry enough to till so we will hope to plant potatoes this weekend. I don’t think I could take 90. That’s kind of funny as I like my sauna at 180 to 200.
Howard, Copper Basin Alaska.
Yep, that’s our “normal” weather for this time of year. But because it got so hot, so quickly, we’re planting out way ahead of schedule so that’s a good thing. We hate 90, too!
Crazy weather indeed !! Cold , hot then cool and now lots of rain. Just did get the potatoes in and now they are flooded ! Is it possible for potatoes to drown ?
No, they don’t drown but if they’re in cool, wet ground too long, they can rot. Boooo
I am always amazed at your gardens. I have had two raised beds and this year added a third one. Everything was doing ok until the rains started. It has rained everyday for over three weeks ( hard bucket pouring rain) Anything that has leaves out there now had grey mold on them. They have stopped their growth completely! Looks like the only thing I am going to get are the radishes we have already eaten and maybe two hands full of black beans. Fortunately I think if I just bite the bullet and pull everything up and trash it I can start again.
I’m so sorry! I agree; I’d just start over and hope the weather moderates. Some years it’s like that, which is why I always can up everything I can every year. Sometimes you just don’t get a harvest.
Same situation her on the gulf islands in Canada’s pacific. Straight from winter into summer and forest fires already springing up around the province. Fortunately this week is a little cooler. Very confusing for seedlings not to mention the gardeners!
Yes, we were having fires around here too but thankfully, the rains came and the grass greened up so the fire danger is down to moderate. I know what you mean about confusing. I keep thinking I’ve gotten late in planting because it’s so hot. But really, I’m early. Go figure!
Our weather here in Missouri is the same… hot, hot and more hot!We’ve had little rain, which adds even more stress to anything trying to grow and survive. My cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower are struggling as well as any of the cool season veggies. We hope and pray daily that things will improve or haying season is not going to be good either.
I’m glad that you have good friends and neighbors to help out. A good neighbor is worth their weight in gold!
Our weather has been the same way in Colorado. A couple of days of Spring then off to Summer. Just praying for a little rain and no HAIL. So nice to see all the progress on your new garden. I don’t know how you get it all done. Blessings to you and your family.
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