Sweet Corn And Green Beans: What Will Your Garden Grow?

"I think you're going to see a garden in every back yard in Carter County. We're survivors," Kee's Farm Service Owner Hannah McGlone concluded last week.

The Kee's staff has been blessed to stay busy as customers, many of them first-time patrons, plot gardens from large to small.

Many of the first-timers ask about "stuff you can't even plant yet," McGlone said, explaining Carter County's current sunny, warm weather is likely to snap back toward winter ranges in the weeks ahead.

This is, however, a good time to plant "cold crops" such as onions, lettuce, potatoes, cabbage, broccoli and herbs.

Some growers are buying early tomato and pepper plants, she adds with a grin, explaining "It's almost bragging rights to have the first red tomato of the year" among some gardeners.

At about that time,  a customer walked up to the front door at Kee's Farm Service, ordered four pounds of Honey Select sweet corn at $19.15 per pound.

"And mulch has went crazy already. Dirt ... crazy busy," she said, adding mowing and landscaping items have also been in demand.

Some customers report they will be growing their crops in containers such as five-gallon buckets or recycled feed tubs, while others plan to utilize small plots including lawn space.

"If you manage it correctly, you can raise a lot on a small plot. You have to be selective and smart but you can raise a lot of food in a small space," McGlone said.

People who want to plant tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, corn and flowers shouldn't have to wait long before the last threat of frost for the year.

"The first of May is always when we order plants heavy. Mother's Day is always the official safety point for flowers and tender garden vegetables," McGlone said.

Story and Photos by TIM PRESTON

Carter County Post