While the cool wet weather has been good for our lawns, it’s leading to frustration for gardeners. Iowa State University Extension Horticulturist Richard Jauron says many garden plants are languishing like a dot-com company.He says warm season crops like tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers aren’t growing in this wet weather, and some are turning yellow. He says the weather could be fatal in some areas as extremely wet soil may cause the plants to die. Jauron says there are some plants that don’t mind the chilly weather, things like radishes, spinach, peas and lettuce don’t mind the cool weather. There is hope for those who look forward to a fresh, juicy homegrown tomatoes. He says the plants that survive the cool weather should start growing as it warms up, and still produce a good crop. Jauron says the best thing right now for gardens would be a moderate warm up as plants will suffer if it goes from cool to very hot. Jauron says the only thing you can do for plants stunted by the cool weather is to hope for more sunshine.
