June and it is still 70 degrees. It has been pushing 80 today but overall it has been very nice weather. Spring was slow to start and we had a very bad freeze in April, down to 18 degrees, two nights in a row that killed the uncovered cabbage and broccoli plants but my early planted spinach and lettuce was covered with a sheet of plastic and it survived.
June is when it begins to really turn hot here with the humidity rising also. Those early crops like spinach and lettuce usually have bolted by now but we have had successive cool spells that have kept cool weather crops going. I believe the April cold snap I mentioned earlier also set a lot of the bugs back. There have been very few insects working on my vegetables. I put some Dipel powder on my cabbages once because there was some chewing on them. There also have not been any mosquitoes to speak of also.
Speaking of bugs, we were plagued by these little gnats that would fly in your face, your nose, and your ears. They would infrequently bite me but other people in the area really got bit up pretty bad. The bites would swell up and itch like crazy for several days. What I learned about the little pests was they breed in running water. Which we do not have right close to the house but apparently they can fly quite a ways to find someone to bite.
The thing that really surprised me was a friend of mine who gardens about 50 miles to the east of here didn't have any gnats at all. The reason being there was no running water close enough. The line of demarcation for the infestation was actually about 35 miles to east of here.
These little insects are a recent phenomena. A couple of years ago they were not an issue. What I did to combat them was bought a hat on ebay that has mosquito netting on it. It is just a baseball cap style hat the has a little pocket at the top that the netting can fold up into. I put it on every time I went out in the garden because at one point the gnats were so bad you could not hardly work. So I don't know why they have moved into the area now.
They were so numerous that even driving in the daytime would make a mess of your windshield. I drove down the river valley road to an estate auction last month early in the morning they were just all over the windshield. You could hear them hitting as you drove. They seem to have just about disappeared now. I picked some stuff for supper this evening with no problem.
Along with the cool weather we have had plenty of rain which is always nice. The ground seems to have good soil moisture and it is very nice and moist underneath my mulches. I did some tilling of weeds a couple of days ago and the ground was nice and moist. My sweet corn is tassled out so now is the time it needs plenty of water.
I was disappointed with my broccoli heads this year. They really were not very big. I am sure moisture was not the problem. I guess it could be fertility but the plants are robust and very large. The broccoli we have eaten has certainly tasted good though. It tends to get rather strong tasting during hot weather so this has been very tasty.
Well I know at some point things will turn off hot and the mosquitoe population will continue to grow. So I think I will go out and enjoy the wonderful evening that is happening right now.
Related Articles
Gardening Hints for Healthy, Happy Plants
By: Julie Williams | 20/12/2006 | Gardening
Plants - like all living things - have basic, minimum requirements to sustain them. Generally, they are food, water and a suitable environment. But if you want them to thrive you need to get more specific.
Heirloom Vegetables – Part 1 - Tomatoes
By: Christy Wilhelmi | 25/06/2007 | Gardening
Heirloom tomatoes, summer's finest bounty, will add variety to your meals, and biodiversity to your garden. This article details the rainbow of colors available in heirloom tomatoes. Part one of a series on heirloom vegetables.
Enjoy Winter Gardening!
By: Louanne Baelde | 06/12/2006 | Gardening
Winter gardening can be so much fun and extremely beneficial as well! Allocate a special space in your garden just for winter gardening. The biggest advantage of all with planting winter vegetables is that there is no need for weeding or watering and most of all, no insects!
Organic Gardening - The Pros And Cons
By: Judith Schwader | 16/04/2006 | Gardening
Picture three ripe red tomatoes arranged on a wooden cutting board awaiting your pleasure.
Gardening Through A Drought Or How To Sprinkle Your Water Wisely
By: James Kilkelly | 08/05/2006 | Advice
So you find yourself in the middle of the worst drought within living memory and your garden occupants are starting to sag, flag and wilt.
Organic Products and Production
By: Fran Black | 07/06/2006 | Health
Many shoppers only seem to have an abstract understanding of the benefits of organic foods and products on the environment and their health.
Natures Own Organic Fertilizers
By: Kenneth Scott | 26/02/2008 | Nature
Many people take pleasure in gardening. They put considerable time and energy into creating pleasant environments around their houses using the very simple elements of seeds, a spade, and fertilizer.
Brain Damaging Pesticides in Food
By: Sandy Powers | 11/07/2008 | Nutrition
The health toll of toxic pesticides on children is alarming.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
When munchkin donuts were first originated
By: Lisa | 12-07-2008
when munchkin donuts were first originated
How do I make italian basket cheese?
By: TE | 12-07-2008
How do I make italian basket cheese?
Flax seed
By: carlos | 12-07-2008
where to find Ground Flax Seed locally? is it available at your grocer's?
Why does my spinach turn to seed early?
By: gwellandk | 12-07-2008
Why does my spinach turn to seed early?
Looking for the Nevele Hotel's recipe for cold ...
By: Howie | 11-07-2008
Looking for the Nevele Hotel's recipe for cold fruit soup
Chicken Magnolia Casserole
By: Judy | 11-07-2008
When in Georgia - I attended a Corporate luncheon that was catered by a local restaurant. We enjoyed a casserole which included chicken, muchrooms and pasta in a creamy cheese sauce. I was told it was called Chicken Magnolia - but have yet to find a recipe that appears to have these ingredients. Any help ????
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Gardening Articles
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
By: Dane | 26/07/2008
Austin is a city in love with nature. This article talks about the "Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center".
What to Do With Your Doggie Doo
By: Vera Pappas | 25/07/2008
Composting has also always been a part of our lifestyle, but poop was the one thing we couldn't put in our regular composter.
The Thing About Knockout Roses Is...
By: Art Gib | 25/07/2008
Knockout roses were first introduced in 1999 as a tough and hardy rose that is exceptionally resistant to disease and an ability to withstand a wide range of harsh conditions. As such, they require little attention from the gardener in order to produce satisfactory results making them perfect for a beginning gardener. This has made it one of fastest selling new roses when it was introduced.
How To Plant A Country Hedge - Preparing The Ground
By: Anna Stenning | 25/07/2008
Providing instructional information on how to do your planting at certains periods of the year, whilst dealing with weed.
Advice on Caring For a Bonsai Tree
By: April Kerr | 25/07/2008
Bonsai which is an interesting technique of growing the adult trees in a miniature form was originated in Japan a long time ago.
Is a Riding Mower or a Lawn Tractor the Right Choice For You?
By: Janet Ashby | 25/07/2008
If you have a large lawn that is getting too much to handle with a walk-behind mower you may be considering buying a lawn tractor or a riding mower. A lawn tractor may have various attachments available and can be used for hauling materials about your yard in addition to...
Need Increased Closet or Storage Area for Your Bedroom?
By: Robert | 24/07/2008
When people venture out to to look at homes to buy, there are two elements that are the first considered. These same two features are what can make a potential sell to fall apart. The The first is the kitchen. If this room is not inviting and modern, the home fails to draw interest. The Next in importance is the number and size of the home's closets.
5 Important Secrets for Your Bonsai Trees Now
By: Paul Zayer | 24/07/2008
Don't risk your bonsai plant's health on the basis of any assumption.
Home and Family 
