Calhoun County, AL – The 2025 gardening season brought a unique set of challenges, beginning with excessive rain, flooding, and moldy soil. These early spring conditions made it difficult for many gardeners to get a strong start. When heavy rain is expected, I prefer to plant in pots and raised beds. This helps promote drainage and airflow, preventing the sogginess that can stunt growth. Spring is the ideal time to get vegetable roots established—waiting too long risks poor development before the heat sets in.
This year’s second major hurdle came in July, with heat indices climbing as high as 107°F. If you planted late and your vegetables didn’t have mature root systems, this kind of heat can be devastating. The key to survival is deep mulching and deep watering several times a week. The goal is to maintain steady moisture at the root level to avoid plant stress. Don’t let the weather take control—being proactive with mulch and timely watering can make all the difference.
Planting vegetables closer together also helps, as their leaves act as natural umbrellas to protect one another from intense sun. Always water deeply either in the early morning or in the evening—never during the heat of the day—to prevent sun scald and mold. I also avoid overhead watering unless it rains, as direct water on leaves under full sun can be damaging.
Another crucial tip: stop fertilizing once temperatures consistently rise above 85°F. Fertilizers can burn plants in extreme heat. That’s why I apply long-term nutrients, like blood meal powder, at planting time—they last about four months. Up to 85°F, I supplement weekly with fish emulsion as part of my watering routine.
Each year, I grow some of my favorite vegetable varieties, including:
-
German Queen Tomatoes
-
Crookneck Squash
-
Marketmore 76 Cucumbers
-
Clemson Okra
-
Peaches & Cream Corn
-
Kentucky Wonder Green Beans
These choices never fail to produce—especially with a little preparation, patience, and smart gardening practices.
Betty Clark is a contributing writer. She has been an organic gardener since 1998. The signature flower she grows is Dahlias. She has a straw bale garden, a raised bed garden, and an in-ground garden. Both her surnames are from agricultural farming families (8 generations). Her hobbies include ancestry research, antiques, continued education classes, and workshops. She also has a background in marketing & promotions, including expos. To contact Betty Clark with gardening questions: bettyclark2151959@gmail.com
