Rain and yellow jackets

 Potatoes and beans in bed #2

Sixth wettest June on record in Maine, according to a recent article in the Bangor Daily News.   Probably a lot of gardeners read the article emphasizing the effect of all the rain on gardens and thought "Oh, whew, it isn't only me!"

The broccoli and onions here are loving the gray weather.   The tomatoes, not so much. 

I've never used row covers before, having always managed without them.   Yesterday, George made hoops and now the cucumbers and zucchini are covered.    I also planted some radishes to try to lure some of the bugs away from the other squash.

There are too many bugs on the squash seedlings this year.  

Nest

 Speaking of inspects, these yellow jackets are making a home on one of the flower hooks on the front porch, right near the front door.   George noted that they are interesting to watch.

This nest is going to get a lot bigger.   We can avoid it, but maybe visitors here won't.    It may have to go, while it is still small.  

Then again, we could put orange tape around the front porch, and use the side entrance until fall.  Less hassle than row covers, probably.

Last summer we had one of these nests over the door to the garage where we keep the farm tractor.    It was a big nest, and was just above where we drove the tractor in and out.    The tractor is very noisy, and there is lots of activity around that door.  But, the insects never bothered us.

Easier to take on cucumber beetles than yellow jackets.   Decisions, decisions.