How to Keep Your Garden Thriving Through Late Spring Heat

🌸 How to Keep Your Garden Thriving Through Late Spring Heat

As May rolls into its later days, gardens are waking up fast—and sometimes, a little too fast. Sudden heat waves and shifting weather patterns can push young seedlings to bolt or wilt before they have a chance to mature. But don’t worry—Love & Vegetables has your back.

Let’s talk about how to keep your garden thriving in late spring, especially if you're in Zone 6 or similar climates.

☀️ Late Spring Challenges

By late May, you might face:

• Surprise hot days (over 80°F)

• Heavy rainfall followed by dry spells

• Pests like flea beetles, aphids, and cabbage moths

• Bolting in cool-weather crops like lettuce and spinach

🌿 7 Pro Tips to Keep Things Thriving

1. Mulch Everything

   • Suppresses weeds

   • Retains soil moisture

   • Protects roots from sudden temperature swings

2. Harvest Early and Often

   • Harvest lettuces, radishes, and herbs regularly to prevent bolting.

   • “Cut and come again” methods work well this time of year.

3. Install Shade Cloth or Row Covers

   • Great for leafy greens and young transplants.

   • Protects from both sun scorch and insect pressure.

4. Water Deeply, Not Frequently

   • Encourage deep roots to withstand heat.

   • Early morning watering is best.

5. Keep Sowing Fast-Growers

   • Radishes, arugula, bush beans, and basil are all perfect for mid-late May sowing.

6. Plant Summer Crops if You Haven’t Yet

   • Tomatoes, peppers, squash, and cucumbers should be in the ground now.

   • Harden off seedlings before transplanting.

7. Watch for Pests Daily

   • Check the undersides of leaves.

   • Use insecticidal soap or neem oil if needed (but never spray in full sun!).

🧑‍🌾 What You Can Still Plant in Late May (Zone 6)

• Beans (bush and pole)

• Corn

• Cucumbers

• Summer Squash

• Basil, Dill, Cilantro

• Watermelon, Cantaloupe

• Zinnias, Cosmos, and Marigolds for pollinators

🧰 Quick Tasks for This Week

• Trellis your peas or tomatoes

• Fertilize with compost tea or diluted fish emulsion

• Start a pest log or garden journal

• Add mulch to any bare spots

• Thin crowded seedlings to improve air flow

🌼 Celebrate May's Momentum

It’s not just about keeping up—it’s about flowing with the season. Every seedling that makes it through May strong and steady sets the tone for a beautiful summer harvest. Keep learning, keep planting, and keep loving your garden.

💚 Love & Vegetables: Growing good things together.

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