I would like to warn our ‘bayside’ customers about growing warm weather crops such as watermelons, pumpkins, or even cucumbers. These can take up much space, require precious water, lots of nutrients and still perform poorly or fall prey to powdery mildew. However…if you must, (perhaps your child just asked, “Please can we grow pumpkins this year?” in a cute way) it is possible. Make sure to settle only for the warmest and sunniest spot, don’t get foliage wet, do not overplant and choose small-fruited varieties (e.g. ‘Baby Bear’ pumpkins, ‘Sugar Baby’ watermelons). If temperatures are still not high enough for natural pollinators to do their thing, consider snipping stamens off a male flower which you will gently rub onto female flower parts. Tell the kids to go inside the house during this activity or be prepared to answer embarrassing questions.