"Why Cabbages Grow Tall in Cloudy Weather: Gardening Tips from Jamaica”

A Note to Fellow Gardeners
Friends, I wanted to share a little update from the cabbage patch. Jamaica has been under a cold front lately, and instead of our usual bright sunshine, the days have been mostly grey and overcast. The cabbages are showing us exactly how much they depend on light: instead of spreading out into those nice, compact heads, they’ve started to grow tall and slender, reaching upward as if searching for the sun.

This is something all gardeners should keep in mind—when plants don’t get enough sunlight, they respond by stretching. It’s their way of saying, “I need more energy!” While it may look unusual compared to the sturdy, rounded growth we expect, it’s a perfectly natural reaction to limited light.

The good news is that once the sun returns, the plants usually balance themselves out again. In the meantime, it’s a reminder of how closely our gardens mirror the weather around us. Every shift in climate leaves its mark, and every plant tells a story about resilience and adaptation.

Practical tip: If you’re facing long stretches of cloudy weather, try placing reflective surfaces (like light-colored boards or even foil panels) around your cabbages to bounce what little sunlight there is back onto the plants. For container gardeners, moving pots to the brightest available spot—even near walls or balconies that catch indirect light—can make a surprising difference.

So if you’re seeing your cabbages—or any leafy greens—growing taller than usual during these cloudy days, know that you’re not alone. Our gardens are teaching us patience, and that brighter days will bring stronger, fuller growth.

Until next time — keep your hands in the soil, your heart light, and let joy grow.
With love from Hopey’s Garden

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