I can’t recall a spring quite like this one—so cold for so long! These past few weeks have felt more like late March than May, and it’s starting to wear on me. By now, I’d normally be busy in the new garden (at least in the greenhouse), hands in the soil, finally planting out my tomatoes. But the weather has been stubbornly chilly, and definitely not tomato-friendly.
Inside, my tomatoes are growing like wild things—too long, too tall, and clearly unhappy. They’re reaching for sunlight that still feels like it’s hiding behind a winter sky. Every time I think, Maybe today’s the day, I step outside, feel the wind or see frost on the grass, and change my mind.
And as if that wasn’t enough, it looks like there won’t be strawberries this year either. I built a polytunnel to protect them from the cold, hoping it would be enough—but clearly it wasn’t. The centers of the strawberry flowers, where the berries should form, have turned brown. That’s a sure sign they froze. Sometimes nature has other plans.
I know I’m not alone in this. I’ve seen others posting about delayed planting, stunted seedlings, and the odd combination of indoor jungle meets outdoor tundra. Hopefully, the weather shifts soon. I’m trying to stay patient, reminding myself that nature has its own rhythms.
And let’s be honest, my bed isn’t ready, I can’t find good soil here… I’ve been looking through shops and local farmers! I thought I was in the countryside… but there is no farmers left 😦
Has this spring been unusually cold where you are too?
Ilze
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I am so sorry you have those problems. As you say: nature doesn’t always play ball. It has. But as we are moving so we are not growing this year. Have you ever thought of using sheep fleeces for protection? That’s also great as plant food.
Andy uses normal growing fleece for protection both from cold and pests. You can re-use those time and time again.
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Thank you, Bee! I appreciate your kind words. Yes, I’ve actually incorporated sheep wool under the soil in my greenhouse—it helps retain moisture and provides insulation. It’s fascinating how it also enriches the soil as it breaks down. I haven’t tried using it as a surface mulch yet, but that’s a great idea. Wishing you a smooth move and hope you get back to gardening soon!
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You are very welcome. We used it as surface mulch for our potatoes last year, which worked great, but it didn’t stop slugs as much as we hoped. They are quite a challenge in Ireland. In our next garden we’ll have ducks 🥰
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We didn’t get as much rain and the weather reached summer temps too early. Climate change. My husband gets tired of me saying that but I know it’s real.
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It’s such a contrast—we’ve had such a cold spring, and you’re already facing summer temperatures! Climate change is definitely reshaping gardening expectations. Have you had to change your planting schedule or crop choices because of it? I’d love to hear how you’re adapting.
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We only plant tomatoes and a few herbs. So far no change in planting time.
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That is good to hear 🙂
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The weather here has been cooler and wetter than usual. I hope your tomato plants will do better and grow lots of tomatoes for you.
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Thank you, Mags! Cooler, wetter weather definitely makes things unpredictable. I’m crossing my fingers the tomatoes will bounce back once the sun sticks around. Do you grow tomatoes too, or do you focus on other crops this time of year?
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I have grown tomatoes, herbs, and other vegetables in the past but now at my age I stick to flowers and plants that draw bees, birds, and butterflies.
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I hope I can grow all the veggies and mixed with flowers 🙂
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We’ve had a lot of frosty mornings, warmer afternoons, and lots and lots of rain. I hope you can get those babies in the ground soon!
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Sounds like your weather is just as mixed-up as ours! I’ve been holding off planting some of the more sensitive veggies until the ground warms up a bit more. Are you starting your plants indoors or waiting it out too? And what are you most excited to grow this season?
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Mostly flowers. I will probably do my tomatoes and cherry tomatoes in pots on the porch due to the many hungry critters I have around here. I planted tons of zinnia seeds and am looking forward to their cheerful colors in my flower beds 🙂 I don’t have room to start things indoors, my house plants take up all the good window space I have, lol.
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I never heard of zinnia before! My friend introduced me to them, and now I want them 🙂
I have no house plants 🙂 BUT I got a few for free and will pick them up on the 20th of May. Can’t wait.
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I love zinnias! I love the cheerful orange, red and yellow blossoms and they are one of the few flowers the deer won’t eat. A lot of people here plant them in with their veggie gardens to keep deer at bay. I like to cut them for vases because it seems the more you cut, the more blossoms they make 🙂
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OMG! I can’t wait to have soil to fill the raised beds and start!
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We are unusually warm in the Chicago area. The climate across the US is drastic. Very warm, very wet, or very dry depending on the area. Investin all that time and money into planting only to see them failing due to weather is sad and frustrating. I’m sorry, Ilze.
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We are moving into winter so very little gardening for me.
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The winter in Australia is like this May in Latvia 🙂
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