Singin' In The Rain

Hi!  Welcome back. Just remember "April showers bring May flowers!"

                  Gene Kelly is widely remembered for "Singin' In The Rain" in 1942

Bah, humbug!  Yes, I appreciate rain, but it seems like we're in the midst of a "rainy season" similar to that of India, but without the monsoon winds driving it. Since the first day of spring in Lancaster, PA (US Zone 6) we've had a measurable rainfall on 13 of 34 day or 38% of the time. And many of the days in between the rains were overcast and threatening rain. In addition, the temperatures have remained fairly low on a consistent basis with just a few days when the thermometer rose above 50 degrees F. The ground has had little opportunity to dry out and it's always difficult to plant anything in mud!

This type of weather pattern, however normal it may be for this time of year, definitely slows down the planting process.  There are many plantings that work well with the temperatures still in the 40's. Spinach and lettuce have been thriving in our garden for over a month now. The snap peas, shown in the picture above, are coming along nicely as well. (You may remember that we had to cover these peas and other plants during the late March freezing spell.)  But there are many varieties that rely on warmer trends. For example, the pole beans we will be sowing directly in the soil require a regular nighttime temperature of 55 F or more before they should be started. So, they probably wont be planted until mid or late May. If seeds are planted too early, they will not sprout, get too wet and then rot underground. Always read the package directions or other sources to learn when it's best to put your seeds directly in the ground.

Another difficulty created by the cool wet weather has to do with pollination. Last year, the cherry tree bloomed in a warm spell with syrphid flies and bumble bees swarming all over it. As I watched this year, there have been far fewer pollinators visiting the tree's blooms due to the cloudy, damp, cool days. Whether this will have a negative effect remains to be seen, but I'm hoping it will not.

The garden tries to teach me patience, but sometimes "mother nature" just tries my patience!  How about "Rain, rain go away....come again sometime in May!"

I hope to see you again in a few days!