May has arrived and our greenhouse is full as well as many others in Central Wisconsin. The record warmth in March brought out a lot of interest in plants, but face it, this is Wisconsin and Shirley, the weather will change and don't call me Shirley! Not everyone received the two inches of accumulated snow on April 19th, but it did show that planting season had not yet arrived.
What can we do now that May is here? Cool weather crops may be planted in our gardens at this time. The list includes peas, carrots, and onions. Warm weather vegetables like cucumbers, pumpkins, and sweet corn of the super-sweet varieties must wait for the soil to warm and danger of frost has passed. Despite the recent cool daytime temperatures, greenhouse conditions have been balmy and many plants will struggle to adjust to the cool breezes and frigid nights. Anyone who has their car parked outside and works the day shift, is tired of scraping the frost from their windows. The average last frost date for this area is mid-month May. I can't wait! Be warned though, this IS Wisconsin. May we get through this month and enjoy all the benefits gardening has to offer.