Spring Showers

As planting season has come and gone, we now get to sit back (which means spend hours watching and picking as the fruits and vegetables ripen) and see the garden grow. All the hard work that leads to a plentiful crop. But, the work does not stop. We all know the reality of making sure the okra doesn’t get too large, or the tomatoes do not sit on the vine too long. What about the herbs that seem to have taken over and spread like wild-fire?

Well, we know the spring showers bring much appreciated moisture to our freshly tilled garden, but it can also bring unwelcome weather. Hail is ruthless and has the potential to be devastating to our immature plants as they just begin to sprout from the ground or bloom.

Well, as we fight that battle together here in West Texas, I have some tips for you to protect the fruits of your labor so you can see those crops through to the end of the season.

1. Old plastic planting pots

You know those plastic pots that your plants come in when you purchase them from your local nursery? Hang on to these at the beginning of planting season! They are perfect for protecting your freshly planted crops when unexpected weather pays your garden a visit.

2. Bricks you may have laying around

Anything heavy will do. But, bricks are my quick go to at my home. You will need something with weight to lay around the perimeter of your plastic pot to make sure the window does not pick them up once a storm hits.