Now, selecting your soon-to-be green babies requires a smidgen of thought. If you’re lounging around at a lower elevation, it’s like a pick-your-own-plant buffet. But for those living in the nosebleed seats above 2,500 feet, you’ll need to pick the plant equivalent of a sherpa, something that can weather a chill or two.

Fear not! We’ve got a list of edibles as long as a summer’s day that you can plant during our dear friends May and June, no matter if you’re living high on the hog or down in the valley.

Let’s kick things off with the Annuals. Or, as I like to call them, the “one-hit wonders”. We’ve got the Arugula, which is more than just a fancy salad leaf, it’s packed with vitamins C, K, and A. Then there are Beans, Beets, Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Kale, Lettuce, Melons, Onions, Peas, Peppers, Potatoes, Pumpkins, Radishes, Spinach, Squash, Tomatoes, Turnips, and Zucchini. Got all that? Good, because there will be a quiz at the end.

Now, let’s turn our attention to the hydration station. Water is as vital to plants as the latest gossip is to the town’s rumor mill. And just like the local chatter, some plants need a heavy serving while others can make do with a little less. So which of our one-hit wonders are the heavy drinkers? Well, that would be Arugula, Beans, Beets, Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Kale, Lettuce, Melons, Onions, Peas, Peppers, Potatoes, Pumpkins, Radishes, Spinach, Squash, Tomatoes, Turnips, and Zucchini. And who can stand a drought? You guessed it: Arugula, Beans, Beets, Carrots, Celery, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Kale, Lettuce, Melons, Onions, Peas, Peppers, Potatoes, Pumpkins, Radishes, Spinach, Squash, Tomatoes, Turnips, and Zucchini.

Next on the program, we have the native plants. The ones that were here before us and will probably be here after us. You know, the Aquilegia (or Columbine if you prefer), Aster, Bleeding heart, Coneflower, Echinacea, Fireweed, Gooseberry, Huckleberry, Lupinus (or lupine if you’re not a Latin scholar), Oregon grape, Potentilla (or cinquefoil if you’re feeling French), Salmonberry, Shasta daisy, and Yarrow. And just to throw a curveball, let’s not forget the Sand strawberries. These local delights are a type of wild strawberry native to the Pacific coast of North America. They love sandy soil and can handle a drought better than a camel. Not to mention their berries are as sweet as a summer’s day.

Now, I’m not saying you’ll need to have a Ph.D. in horticulture to get a good harvest, but a few tips never hurt anyone. First up, location, location, location. Choose a spot that gets full sun and has well-drained soil. Then you’ll want to prepare the soil. This ain’t a fancy dinner, but a little compost or organic matter can make all the difference. And when it comes to watering, think of it like a good soak in the tub, not a quick shower. Water your plants deeply once a week, rather than shallowly every day. A good layer of mulch will also help retain moisture and keep those pesky weeds at bay.

And finally, don’t forget to protect your green babies from the frost and harvest the fruits and veggies when they’re ripe and ready. So there you have it, folks! I hope this guide will help you navigate the great green world of May and June planting in Okanogan County. Remember, the only bad garden is the one you didn’t plant. Happy gardening!

And before I sign off, a couple of quick tricks for the trade. Fabric row covers over hoops can be your new best friend, especially if you’re gardening at higher elevations. These bad boys offer some much-needed shade to your sensitive plants, keeping ’em cool when the summer sun is blazing. And bonus, they also work as a deterrent for those pesky deer that think your garden is their personal salad bar.

Speaking of unwanted guests, don’t forget about the mouse menace. These tiny terrors can wreak havoc in a garden faster than a raccoon in a trash can. So, consider scattering some mouse bait around your green kingdom. It’s like setting a bouncer at the garden gate, keeping those unwanted nibblers at bay. Stay vigilant, folks! The only thing that should be feasting on your garden are you and your family. Happy gardening!

Additional Resources

• Okanogan County Extension Office
  The Okanogan County Extension Office offers a variety of gardening resources, including classes, workshops, and one-on-one consultations. They also have a library of gardening books and magazines.

• Okanogan Valley Master Gardeners
  The Okanogan Valley Master Gardeners are a volunteer organization that provides free gardening advice and assistance to the community. They offer a variety of programs and events, including classes, workshops, and plant clinics.

• Okanogan Farmers Markets
  The Okanogan Farmers Markets are a great place to find fresh, local produce and other food products. They are also a great place to learn about gardening from local farmers and gardeners.

• Okanogan County Public Library
  The Okanogan County Public Library has a variety of gardening books and magazines. They also offer a variety of programs and events related to gardening, such as storytimes, crafts, and lectures.

• Okanogan County Parks and Recreation Department
  The Okanogan County Parks and Recreation Department has a variety of parks and recreation facilities that offer gardening opportunities. These facilities include community gardens, demonstration gardens, and nature centers.