It’s to be expected that not every day in New England is going to be perfect weather and that unfortunately goes for the summer season as well. But before you throw in the towel on your gardening ambitions, there are a few activities that will not only benefit your outdoor gardening efforts but will also satisfy your green thumbs while the forecast clears a bit. No, I’m not insinuating that you grab your trowels and rough it out in the rain or break out the lawn mower and take your chances. The grass can wait to be cut for a day or two so try another strategy if you’re stuck in the house waiting out the storms. With just a few needed supplies, you can turn your depressing rainy day schedule into a fun and creative experience that your flower and vegetable beds will thank you for.
Just because there’s all that wet stuff falling from the sky doesn’t mean that you can’t get in the car and go for a ride to your favorite garden center or flower shop, right? After all, didn’t someone once say that a little shopping therapy always cures the rainy day blues? Then this is your chance! As an avid gardener, I’m always running out of much needed supplies for my potting bench such as gardening twine for tomato stakes, plant food to spread over the beds once every month or so and packaged seeds of things like cosmos and peas to fill in the bare spots of the garden. Most greenhouses have a sheltered area over their plants and supply areas for the sole purpose of appeasing those customers that enjoy gardening throughout any weather condition so there aren’t any worries about getting drenched while choosing your items.
If you see rain pouring out your window than this might be an excellent time to prepare your compost. Homemade compost can consist of items such as coffee grounds, old bread such as donuts or muffins, grains, all fruits and vegetables and the best of all, egg shells. Be sure to ground the material well so that all nutrients are blended sufficiently. Once the rain clear, pour the compost over your vegetables and flowers and watch your plants go KABOOM from your extra added love and affection.
Speaking of eggshells, if you have a few lying around your kitchen, they can serve another purpose other than compost. Make sure they are halved and are large enough to support a small amount of soil. Clean the insides well and place 2 tablespoons of well-nourished soil inside the cup. Then grab your favorite seeds and place one in each holder. Seeds that work the best and will grow fastest are peas, cucumbers, marigolds, zinnias and tomatoes. Place back in their carton and set by a window with a sufficient amount of daily sunlight. Once their heads pop up from the soil, place in your garden beds!