Welp, we knew we were taking a chance in putting so many seeds in the ground so early but the wildly warm temperatures of late April and early May has us thinking we just might be able to get ahead of the game just before the Spring rains hit.
And so we planted and praised the rains and had near 100% germination on every crop we sowed…
And we weeded between the rains and praised the sprouts for growing so strong and so beautifully…
And then the hail came.
The first couple of rounds were very short lived, just little bursts coupled with big winds and more glorious rain…
Nothing too intense or worrisome.
Until yesterday.
Yesterday’s storm was different.
Yesterday’s storm was fast and furious and more intense than I’ve seen in this valley in our six Springs here.
Yesterday’s storm came in with near black clouds filled to the brim with almost four full minutes of full-force hail that left me worried for our windows, comforting our daughter and pups, and breathing through the deafening pounding on our tin roof.
And then it was over and the storm moved on.
I was slow moving in getting outside this morning because I just didn’t even want to look at the damage but, of course, called forth by the impatient, yelling of the goats, I made my way outside and began to take stock.
I wandered about the fields, under the fruit trees, along the berries, and into the Kitchen Garden trying to offer gratitude for all we have instead of tears for all the shredded leaves and bruised baby fruits.
And, truth be told, it won’t be a total loss, but it is a significant loss with much needing tending to..
And the bruised fruit on the trees are a goner.
But the berries will recover just fine.
They may wind up a bit behind, but they’ll be OK.
And the hail harvested some Rue and a few garlic scapes for me so there’s that 😉
It’s all a balance, you know? Gambling the warm temperatures to gain a few extra growing weeks against the potential for larger plants being damaged by the spring storms…
But we do what we can with what we have where we are and growing food is always a worthy gamble in my book so here we are.
Ever forward.
xoxo,
M
I feel with you. Mother Nature can be cruel, and yet we need her for our survival. I am happy to hear that some of the berries will be OK at least. What kind of berries are you growing?
Thank you, Maria! It’s all such a balance, isn’t it? We have blackberries and raspberries, about 250 linear feet of each 🙂
It’s tough working with the weather – cheering you on as your garden recovers from these storms!
Thank you so much! I’ll happily take all the cheers I can get at this point <3
I’m so sorry to hear about the storm and your ruined plants. I heard about some crazy weather over there. I hope some of it can grow back and the remaining plants are happy enough.
We built a small greenhouse two years ago for seeds and some herbs but it turned out to be too dark and humid and was invaded by woodlice that took a lot of the crops (herbs were ok). Then the following winter the greenhouse was destroyed by the storms. This year there won’t be much growing because I’m injured and can’t do much in the garden but I’ll ask my husband to bring some pots and compost to the front so we can maybe grow some rocket and parsley at least.
Goodness, yes, the storms this spring have been *wild! sorry to hear about all the troubles with your greenhouse! Your experiences are part of the reason I’m hesitant to put one up! Season extension is of such value, and the protective nature is immeasurable, but the potential for disease and pests is massive. I’m glad to hear you intend to grow a few things this season as you heal, though. Nature is a wonderful ally to healing <3
Sorry to hear about the storm damage to your gardening, Melissa. I haven’t planted anything this year. Our snow stay late and then the fires started so I just haven’t been outside. At this point, I won’t plant. I hope the rest of the growing season is on par for you.
The combination of wild weather and fires is such a heartbreaking one. I hope the smoke isn’t too bad where you are! Maybe a few short season crops could work when you feel like it’s safer? Some bush beans or radishes? Maybe even some greens 🙂 I’m definitely putting in more short season crops as we recover from the damage with my fingers crossed for good rains later in the season, minus the hail 😉
Oh ugh! That just sucks! It’s so hard to outwit Mother Nature. We planted a few things early too, being lulled into a false sense security due to the warm weather. Some lilies had even poked their heads up. And everything got nipped by a freeze – twice!
Michelle
Oh man, yes, the dance with Mother Nature is a wild one! I’m sorry your lilies got nipped and hope all your future flowers are allowed to grow unscathed <3