Welcome back, fellow gardeners, to our journey through the planting seasons in our Visalia, California vegetable gardens! As the days grow longer and the temperatures rise, it’s time to roll up our sleeves and dive into the bountiful months of April, May, and June. Let’s dig into that soil!
Here is part 2 of our 4-part series:
April:
Ah, April—the month when spring is in full swing, and our cool weather veggies are soaking up the sun. Gardeners beware as these cool weather veggies may start to bolt! It is important to harvest them before they do and consider planting a summer cover crop to replenish the soil. Speaking of soil, don’t forget to mulch your garden to keep those pesky weeds at bay and conserve moisture. As the mercury climbs, remember to keep those watering cans handy and watch out for those sneaky pests lurking among your beloved plants. But fear not, for our garden allies like ladybugs and bees are here to help!
May:
As May arrives in Zone 9, our gardens may take a leisurely pace, but there’s still plenty to do! Continue harvesting and focus on planting crops that can withstand the heat of our Central Valley summer. What should we plant? Think okra, Southern peas, summer spinach, and sweet potatoes—yum! We will need to take special care to look out for pests like thrips, scale, and mites, which become more active in warmer weather. How are your tomato plants doing? It’s important to keep a close eye on them for any signs of disease. Don’t forget to prune those leaves away and dispose of them properly. Oh hey! If you have chickens, they’ll gladly take care of any unwanted pests for you!
June:
June is the month of lazy summer days and ripening tomatoes. Keep an eye on those red beauties and harvest them before the birds or critters beat you to it! What should we plant in June? Hold off on planting any new tomatoes as they’re better suited for the fall garden. You can prepare to grow them from seed again for the fall. Now is the time to plant another round of okra, Southern peas, summer spinach, and sweet potatoes. June is the perfect time to plant palms and prune those summer-flowering shrubs. One important thing to keep in mind is to check if your area prohibits fertilizing during the summer rainy season—it’s always best to play by the rules!
As June ends, take a moment to clean up any unused growing space and solarize the soil to eradicate pests and disease.
As we move our way through this growing season always, keep an eye on your garden, water diligently, and embrace the rhythm of the seasons in your Visalia vegetable paradise. Until next time, happy gardening!
