5.2.26 - Corn and Beans

Transcript

[Opening Music]

Hello, friends, and welcome back to the Keep Growing Podcast — your weekly guide to gardening in the Mid-Ohio Valley. I’m your host, John Morgan, coming to you from Bob’s HQ in Mason, West Virginia. We’re diving into what’s happening in our gardens from May 2nd through May 8th, 2026. 

This is prime time for getting those warm-season crops in the ground, but we’ve got to stay smart about the weather. Let’s jump right in.

 Weather Outlook

First, the weather picture for the week ahead. We’re looking at some chilly conditions that feel more like late October than early May. Frost or freeze is possible Saturday night into Sunday morning, with overnight lows dipping into the mid-30s in spots. Make sure tender transplants are protected or held back if you haven’t already hardened them off. 

The good news? It’s drying out nicely for the weekend with light winds, so you’ll have comfortable (if brisk) days to get outside and work. Showers and storm chances return early next week with a cold front, but we warm back into the 70s with some thunder before another cooldown heads our way ahead of Mother’s Day weekend. 

Bottom line: Soil is warming but nights are still risky. Keep those row covers or old sheets handy.

 This Week’s Planting Priorities

Alright, let’s talk tasks. This is a fantastic window for direct seeding several heat-loving favorites now that we’re past the average last frost in many parts of the Mid- Ohio Valley (though we’re still playing it safe).

Up first. Snap Beans 

Time to seed those snap beans (bush or pole varieties). Soil temps are getting into the sweet spot. Plant seeds about 1 inch deep and 2–3 inches apart in rows or blocks. They’ll germinate quickly in the warming soil. If you’re doing pole beans, get your trellises or teepees ready now — they’ll climb fast once they sprout. Great for succession planting every couple of weeks.

Next. Summer Squash, Winter Squash, and Cucumbers 

Go ahead and seed or transplant these now. For direct sowing, plant in hills or rows after the soil has warmed. Cucumbers and summer squash (zucchini, yellow crookneck) love the heat and grow fast. Winter squash (butternuts, acorns, etc.) need a longer season but will do great if started soon. 

Finally. Sweet Corn 

Seed sweet corn this week! Plant in blocks of at least 4 rows for good pollination. Space kernels 8–12 inches apart in rows 2–3 feet apart. Varieties like ‘Silver Queen’ or local favorites do beautifully here. Nothing beats that fresh-picked, just-boiled sweetness in July.

Water consistently as these crops emerge, and watch for pests like cucumber beetles. A little row cover can help with both frost protection early and insect control.

 Listener Tips & Closing

A couple quick reminders: Keep an eye on your cool-season crops like lettuce and peas — they’ll appreciate the cooler stretch. Harvest what’s ready to keep production going. And if you’re starting a new bed, now’s a great time to sheet mulch or turn in some compost.

Thanks for tuning in, gardeners. Whether you’re a backyard beginner or seasoned pro, there’s always something new to learn and grow. Get those beans, corn, squash, and cukes in the ground this week, stay protected against that possible Saturday night chill, and keep growing strong in the Mid-Ohio Valley. 

This coming weekend we have Mother’s Day coming up which is our busiest weekend at Bob’s.  Stop it for deals, drawings, and more.  On Saturday, I’ll be visiting each store location to make content and meet with you.  I’ll be in  Gallipolis in the morning, Mason around noon, and Belpre in the afternoon.  I hope to see you there.

I’ll be back next week with more tips. Until then, this is John Morgan saying: Happy gardening, stay curious, and, of course keep growing! 

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