Crops will be ready SOON!

This photo was taken on Monday evening, April 2.  This squash is about ready to be harvested.  I think most everyone has some tomatoes and some might start harvesting in two weeks.  The outer leaves of the romaine/lettuce are ready NOW.  The romaine/lettuce goes to seed very fast, especially with our unusually hot temps for April.  You will notice a tall stalk growing from the center of your romaine, which will flower.  Once it 'goes to seed' (flowers), the leaves become bitter and rather inedible.  Also, I noticed some of the variegated zucchini are getting close to harvest on couple of the east side gardens.  It only takes a day or so, particularly when it rains a bit, for crops to just grow like crazy.  So, picking is necessary much sooner than most anticipate...or the crop rots.

Generally, if you let your squash get too large, more than 6 - 8 inches, the seeds get large and tough, the fleshy part becomes stringy and dried out.  While you can use them (some got to be a foot+ long last year), you also risk worm infestation. 

As for the cabbage and broccoli.  The early heat is not their friend.  If the heat continues, I am not so hopeful for these crops, or a very productive harvest.  Previously, the gardens have been great for both crops, but, it was not this hot so early.

Another reminder, due to the heat.  If you bring additional plants and do not put them in the ground when you bring them, you are risking loosing them.  One 8 hour period in the sun with the dry wind, the soil parches in the small pots. Your tender plants will wilt and die rapidly.  In the very least, put the pots under the shade of your squash plant leaves.

I think everyone will agree that the gardens are looking quite nice!  Many people are keeping up with the weeds, and, again, don't forget to weed in the aisle around your plot.  It is a community garden, so let's try to keep it looking nice all year!