Spring recap, a month late

 The weather this spring was crap. Cold nights dipping into the low 40s, almost constant rain for weeks... the garden is voicing its displeasure. Well, most of the garden. There are a few plant varieties that are trying to thrive. They would be if not for the stiff 20 to 40mph winds that have accompanied all the cold and rain. 

They are the brassicas. the radishes. the strawberries. 

I planted kohlrabi for the first time this year... I've never even eaten kohlrabi. But a neighbor offered me some seeds, and what gardener ever said no to free seeds? So I plunked a few into my Uruq in February and transplanted directly into the garden about 4 weeks later. (things germinate and grow incredibly fast with hydroponics, more on that later.) These kohlrabi plants now have leaves bigger than my head and are pretty close to 3 feet tall. There isn't sign of a bulb yet, but hopefully some warmth will encourage that.

In addition, I did cauliflower, broccoli and a couple brussels sprouts. All are doing equally as well, and we've been eating the broccoli for several weeks now. 

I knew brassicas are hardy cole crops, but these have surpassed all expectation. They also haven't been stressed by the normal crop of cabbage loopers. If I can remain vigilant and keep the insecticidal soap on them until they're done producing we'll be golden.

I'm also growing French breakfast radishes that look like bright red carrots. Oh, and I'm growing CARROTS. Another crop our spring often is just too short for, they are growing great so far, and not as affected by the winds as the sail like kohlrabi.

I'm experiencing a lovely crop of huge juicy strawberries, and the chamomile also seems to enjoy the cool. 

The beans, cucumbers and herbs, and even the zucchini and marigolds are non too happy with the climate, and are showing it by just growing very...slowly. They look healthy enough, but it's June 2nd and they look somewhat dwarfed. Same with the tomatoes. The basil looks blighted. The okra has all but given up and packed it's bags for Florida. 

And the hibiscus... oy vey. 

I do have a plan of action going into the first Virginia springlike week of the year. It involves a little weeding where plants need extra room to breathe. Heavy feeding with a tea I steep from banana peel and comfrey leaves. And daily watering and checking for any pests or blights. I'll use insecticidal soap and BT where needed, I like this, and this from Amazon. and aggressive pruning of diseased or distressed leaves. If your plants are fighting for their lives, give them a hand by not making them try to heal parts of themselves that are too far gone. 

As a backup, I may start a few replacements in the Uruqs, just in case we lose a few here and there. I suspect though, with a little attention and sunshine... and nights in the 50s, things will begin to perk up and make up for lost time.

Happy gardening, my friends.