In Pennsylvania, it would seem that someone bumped the thermostat, and we’re enjoying some summer temperatures a little early. And by enjoying, I mean perspiring greatly. At least, I am anyway. Yesterday it was already 70 when I woke up, and the day topped out in the 90s. My large, German-blooded frame is not ready for that kind of heat this early. Or maybe ever.

 

I know my Canadian neighbor feels my pain.

On the one hand, there is so much more to do when the temperatures heat up, especially for gardeners. There are always more activities, things to do, and places to go during the warmer months. But on the other hand, I’m constantly hot, sweaty and uncomfortable. 

 

I’m one of those nuts that only grabs a winter coat when the temperatures really drop out from under us. And if I’m in the sun sans sunscreen for longer than fifteen minutes, you can bet I’m burning. 

 

Hundreds of years ago, an ancestor of mine climbed down from their cold, snowy mountains to mingle in warmer pastures, and I still haven’t adapted to the warmer temperatures. 

Those first few veggies each year always seem to be extra tasty. 

 

And we now have potato sprouts poking up through the straw, a welcome sight. We thought the seed potatoes had all rotted because of an extra soggy, cold spring.

 

But, half of the garden remains unplanted. 

 

That will probably get remedied today. 

 

It got me wondering how all of you approach getting the garden planted each year. Are you the sort that pokes a few things in the ground here and there? Do you plant the peas and onions one day, then beet and kale a few days later? Or are you the type that spends that one Saturday from dusk ‘til dawn planting everything in one go? 

 

Different vegetables need to be planted at different times based on their needs, but I have noticed these two types of gardeners at work within those time frames.

 

There is the chill gardener who isn’t in any hurry, planting a bit here and there or the weekend warrior who starts with bare ground and has a garden full of seeds and transplants when they’re finished. I know plenty of folks who plant everything in one go on Memorial Day weekend. 

I’ve planted plenty of those gardens myself over the years, as it was the one weekend where I had the time to get everything planted. 

 

Whatever your planting style, it seems the plants make out just fine. Leggy transplants become sturdier, seeds sprout, and Mother Nature brings your garden up to speed. I think that’s one of my favorite parts about this whole playing in the dirt thing – it’s usually pretty forgiving. 

 

You can be too late or too early, overwater or underwater, add too much fertilizer or none at all, and you’ll still usually end up with plenty of vegetables at the end of the day.

 

Rarely will a season go by where you’re left with nothing to show for your efforts. And I think that’s what keeps us coming back year after year, even if it means using a bucket of sunscreen to do it. 

 

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