So, if it’s true that “April showers bring May flowers,” we can hardly wait to see what happens at Brownwood Community Garden after all the torrential downpours we had in May. June should be one record-breaking month! We’ll let you know in the report next month.

May has been a month of transitioning from our winter and spring crops to the summer crops, by far our most productive growing season. By the end of the month, strawberry production had slowed to a trickle, and the plants went into propagation mode, sending out runners right and left. Many of these runners were potted up to grow new strawberry plants which will be planted in the fall after production of most of our summer and fall crops has slowed or ceased. Asparagus harvest is now over, and the plants will be allowed to grow freely into the feathery ferns that will produce energy to feed the roots. This will enable the plants to grow healthy spears next spring.  By the middle of the month, a few onion tops began to topple over, indicating that harvest was close. Harvest began at the end of May and should be completed in the first week of June. After each of these beds is cleaned out, it is prepped and planted with okra, always a favorite of many people in this area.  As we sadly say goodbye to our onions, strawberries, and asparagus, we optimistically look forward to the ripening of our summer crops, an exciting and rewarding time of the year.

Cucumbers have been blooming for some time now, but not until recently have we seen a cucumber grow to full size. Squash in some of the personal beds is ready to pick, and the fight (with the squash bugs) for the survival of that plant is now on.  We hope to hold the enemy off as long as possible. A few blackberries are just beginning to ripen. (Pick too early, and you’re bound to pucker.)  The long-anticipated ripening of the plum tree is upon us. Unfortunately, the squirrels got the memo, so we’re also waging that war. Beans are in bloom, green tomatoes will soon turn red if that squirrel quits stealing them, and a variety of peppers will make their way into the community, where we hope they will be enjoyed as much as we’ve enjoyed growing some new and exciting varieties.

At our monthly board meeting, the building of an awning for our porch was approved. It will provide much-needed shade at the garden weigh station. The tools that we provide for our gardeners to use will be protected from the elements as well. By May 23^rd, the needed supplies had been purchased and delivered. Construction began two days later after a one-day rain delay. (We’re not complaining. Continually thankful for the rain.) The awning should be completed around the middle of June, just in time, as the Texas summer heat is bound to hit soon.

May 23^rd was a busy day. Some volunteers worked at the garden to quickly get the awning supplies, which had just been delivered, protected from the upcoming rain.  On that same day, a few board members attended Brownwood Woman’s Club luncheon, where grants were awarded to several nonprofit organizations. We were so appreciative of being one of those recipients. This grant will help us with ongoing expenses as well as help fund future projects.

Looking back to 2022, we remember May and the summer-like temperatures that hit us too early. Arid conditions, plus many scorching hot days over 100°, stressed the plants as well as the volunteers.  Although we were still able to water, there’s nothing like rainwater when you’re growing a garden. We did the same things we do each year-fertilize, water, and fight garden pests and diseases, but the hot and dry conditions were simply out of our control.  What a relief to have additional rainfall and cooler temperatures this year. We are so grateful! With better-growing conditions and more volunteers, the prospect of a productive growing season looks promising. Bring out those harvest baskets! We’re ready to fill them to overflowing.