Warm Season Crops, Edible Flowers, & Attracting Pollinators

May marks an acceleration point in the growing season with warmer days, longer light, and new growth. The weather trends  warmer, the days are longer, many flowers begin to bloom, and the garden becomes exuberant  with growth. This class focuses on considerations for growing warm season crops including Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Cucumbers, Melons, Squashes, Tomatillos, and Basil.  The lushness of May also brings vigorous weed growth so this month’s session will include help with weed id, understanding their reproductive strategies, and practical ways to manage them.  You will learn how to identify and optimize microclimates to boost heat, extend the season, and increase your yields.  We will talk about how pollination works, different types of pollinators, and how to attract both pollinators and beneficial insects to your garden to help with the productivity of your landscape. Many plants for attracting beneficial insects and pollinators are also edible flowers or cut flowers. This month’s class will highlight species that you can choose for their multifunctions:  both edible and ecological.  Handouts include the "to do" list for the month, guides for edible flowers and plants for beneficial insects, and tips for growing abundant warm season vegetables.

This is the May class of the Grow Your Own Produce workshop series.