Tuesday, June 25, 2019

Four Weeks Late

So let's examine this observation that is being thrown around here in town:  "Spring is a month late"


Below is a list of the pea varieties that I planted on March 23rd.  March 23rd is a fairly early planting date in my area, but peas do well in cooler weather.  I planted as usual, soaking over night.  The weather was cool and wet. The plants took about three weeks to emerge which is absolutely normal.  Last year the peas were right on schedule, no more than two days past forecast maturity date.  Today I picked the first peas and froze two cups.

Easy Peasy Peas - 60-65 days maturity  March 23rd + 65 days=May 27th (that was almost four weeks ago)
Wando Peas - 68 days maturity (May 30th)
Garden Sweet Peas - 60-65 days maturity
Penelope Peas - 59 days maturity would have been May 21st.

These are the Garden Sweet which were supposed to grow to
28"-32" high and outgrew the standard 37" pea trellis by about two feet. 
Then they flopped over which makes it more difficult to pick
 them on one side, but doesn't hurt the plants.

These are the "self supporting" Easy Peasy variety.  The whole row was laying over one
side or the other which was keeping them from drying out when the rain did finally stop
 so I pinned them upright by placing stem supports on either side ever couple of feet.

These are the varieties of cauliflower and broccoli I transplanted on April 10th
Diplomat Broccoli - 68 days maturity April 10th + 68 days = June 17th. I saw the first sign of a bud June 14th.  It was not ready to eat June 17th.  But at least it's growing
Snow Crown Cauliflower - 50 days  (May 30th) I just found the beginnings of a head this week
Bishop Cauliflower - 65 days - no sign
Flame Star Cauliflower - 62 days - no sign
Vitaverde Cauliflower - 71 days - no sign

Please don't bolt please don't bolt.....

Yep.  Spring is a month late.  Peas are four weeks late.  Cole crops are several weeks late but yet to be determined.  Tomatoes began to set about a week late.  I don't even want to talk about cucumbers and cantaloupe.

The tomato plants are about hip height and I have several ping-pong sized fruit

"Gotta Have It" sweet corn is almost knee high and thriving
The cucumber row has been bolstered by the seedlings started in the cold frame.

Rebecca clematis vine in full bloom



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