May Garden Planner

Reader Contribution by Melodie Metje

May Day is when the old timers say is the best time to plant your summer garden in the Midwest.  Prior to May 1, there is still a good chance of poor weather, chilly temps, and frost in our Zone 6 gardens.  This can be catastrophic for tomatoes, eggplants, basil and other heat lovers.

Today, we have the added advantage of the 10 day forecast!  Check out your 10 day forecast to know if it looks safe to plant those tender summer veggies.

This Year’s Vegetable Varieties

So, what are we planting this year? Of course, we planted the number one veggie in the USA-tomatoes!  This year, we are planting all bush types again because they are so compact that they do not need a cage to contain them and they produced well last year. We will use Bush Early Girl (only 54 days till ripe tomatoes), Patio, Husky Red, Tumbling Tom and Lizzano.  I think I will throw in a black cherry or pear type tomato as well. Loving the black tomatoes with all their fantastic antioxidants! Typically, you can expect to have your first ripe tomatoes around the 4th of July.

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