Houston: It's Not All About the Heat (Just Mostly) - A Gardener's Guide to May
How's it going, Houstonian horticultural hotshots? May is upon us, and with it comes a scorcher of a question: what on earth can I plant in this crazy climate? Fear not, fellow flora fans! While Houston may be famous for its humidity and heat that could make a fire hydrant sweat, there's still plenty of planting fun to be had.
Embrace the Chill (While it Lasts)
Let's be honest, that cool spring breeze we had in April was basically a magical hallucination. But hey, there's a sliver of a chance it might linger a bit longer, and that's our green thumb's cue to get planting! Here are some cool weather champions that will thrive before the fiery wrath of summer descends:
- Leafy Greens Galore: Lettuce rejoice! Now's the time for all your favorite loose-leaf varieties like Bibb and Romaine to take center stage in your salad bowl dreams.
- Beet It Before the Heat: Beets love the cooler temps, so go ahead and plant those ruby red (or golden!) roots for a delicious and nutritious harvest.
- Kale Yeah, It's Planting Time: Kale, collards, and their mustardy friends are all superstars in the Houston spring. Just be sure to harvest them before they get too stressed by the heat.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on those pesky afternoon showers. May can be a bit unpredictable, so make sure your cool weather crops have good drainage to avoid becoming soggy swimmers.
Seed Starting Shenanigans (For Future Feasts)
Even if the heat is lurking around the corner, May is a great time to get a head start on some future superstars of your summer garden. Here's what you can sow indoors now for transplanting fun later:
- Tomato Territory: Tomatoes are the poster children of summer gardens, but starting them from seed indoors in May gives them a fighting chance to establish themselves before the heat sets in.
- Pepper Power: Bell peppers, chili peppers, they all love the warmth, but starting them indoors in May gives them a head start and avoids the shock of transplanting later.
- Eggplant Extravaganza: These purple powerhouses also benefit from being started indoors in May. Just remember, they like things warm, so keep those seedlings cozy!
Warning: Be prepared for an adorable little jungle sprouting up in your windowsills. Resist the urge to cuddle the seedlings (too much!), but do give them plenty of light and keep the soil moist.
So You Wanna Plant Something Now, Huh?
Alright, alright, so maybe you're not feeling the whole seed-starting thing. No worries! There are a few heat-tolerant heroes that you can plant directly in your garden in May:
- Okra, Oh Yeah!: This Southern staple thrives in the heat and humidity, so go forth and conquer your gumbo cravings.
- Southern Superstar Squash: Summer squash and zucchini are happy campers in the Houston heat. Just be prepared to harvest often, because these prolific producers can take over your garden in a flash!
Remember: Even these heat-lovers will need some TLC. Regular watering, especially during the hottest parts of the day, is key to their survival.
There you have it, Houston! May is your chance to get a jumpstart on your summer garden. So grab your gloves, get your hands dirty, and remember: even if your tomatoes don't survive the scorching summer, at least you'll have a good story to tell (and maybe some killer weeds to battle). Happy planting!
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