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WELCOME TO HOPEY'S GARDEN - FRESH. SIMPLE. SUSTAINABLE

WELCOME TO HOPEY'S GARDEN

By Lorraine Coulton Cameron
A taste of freshness, straight from Hopey's Garden. "Hopey's Garden is where I share. harvest, tips, and stories from my backyard and container garden. It's a space for learning, experimenting, and growing food in small places. My goal is to inspire fresh simple and sustainable gardening while offering practical advice and encouragement for anyone who wants to start or deepen their gardening journey" " Hopey's Garden is also about connection- sharing stories, learning from each other, and celebrating the joy of growing together, I hope this space inspires you to try new things, ask questions, and join in the conversation as we nurture our garden and ourselves."
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Garden Journal: "Why Cabbages Grow Tall in Cloudy Weather- Gardening Tips from Jamaica”

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By Lorraine Coulton Cameron



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.


Q&A: Cabbages and Cloudy Weather

Q: Why do cabbages grow tall instead of forming heads in cloudy weather?

A: In low light, cabbages stretch upward searching for sun. This “leggy” growth means less energy goes into forming tight heads.


Q: Can I prevent tall, loose cabbages during rainy or cloudy seasons?

A: Yes. Plant cabbages in the sunniest spot available, and space them properly so they don’t compete for light.


Q: Is it worth growing cabbages in Jamaica’s rainy season?

A: Absolutely - but choose varieties bred for tropical climates and shorter maturity. They handle fluctuating light better.


Q: What’s the best container tip for cabbages in cloudy weather?

A: Use light‑colored pots to reflect heat, and keep them in areas with maximum daylight. Rotate containers if needed to chase the sun.

Q: How do I know if my cabbage is “bolting” instead of just growing tall?

A: Bolting means the plant sends up a flower stalk. If you see buds forming, the cabbage is shifting energy away from the head. Harvest early or use the leaves before flavor declines.


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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