Is Spring Already Over?

Tickseed - the Florida State Wildflower

You would be tempted to think so, with temperatures reaching the mid-80s lately.  But if you did, you would either have to not be from around these parts or have amnesia - the kind you need to give birth to a second child, or to stay through more than one North Florida summer.  It's hot, but it's not that hot. And it's not yet anywhere near as humid. 

There have been Aprils when we've had frost, and this has not been one of those so far. Almost all the spring veggies are already bolting, getting ready to go to seed.  I may plant some more lettuces in hopes of a cooler May, but cilantro seedlings wouldn't have much of a chance to grow very big before the heat overtakes them.  It was nice while it lasted.

And nice for a little while longer while the cilantro flowers give way to coriander seeds.  Yes, you get coriander from cilantro plants - lots of it. Save them to plant or add them to Indian dishes; they're the last gift of the lovely cilantro plant. My only regret about the whole thing is that, in Florida at least, it's tought to grow tomatoes and cilantro at the same time.  But we'll enjoy them while they're flowering, and so will the bees, butterflies, and tiny wasps.

Gradually, the hay/dried leaves paths are giving way to summer vegetables.  I love this time of year.  Pure potential - when every indication is that it will be a beautiful, bountiful, pest/fungus/flood-free garden. But then, it's not summer yet...