The days are getting warmer, flowers are starting to open, leaves are filling the tree canopies and the aroma of fresh earth is filling your thoughts. Time to get planting! Before you head out to the crowded gardening centers, let discuss a few basics so all goes well with this year spring planting.
First of all, here a relatively typical planting timeline. Keeping in mind, of course, your area may fluctuate a bit with regard to timing of the last frost.
Early March, sow broccoli and kale seeds indoors.
Mid-March, pepper seeds are sown indoors.
Early April, tomato seeds are sown indoors.
Mid-April, sow spinach and radish seeds in the garden. Transplant lettuce, kale and broccoli into the garden.
Later April, tomato and pepper transplants go into larger indoor pots. Spinach, lettuce and pea seeds go into the garden, along with carrots, radishes and onions. Watermelon, summer squash and pumpkin seeds are sown indoors.
Mid-May, pepper and tomato plants go into the garden.
When setting plants outdoors, raised beds with rich topsoil make excellent homes for young botanicals. Be sure not to plant too deep. As you remove the plant from the container it was started in, check the root mass. If the roots have begun to grow in a circular pattern, disturb them a bit to break the pattern. Using a sharp knife, make three vertical slices from the top of the root mass to the bottom to stimulate new root growth. You can also use your fingers to loosen the roots.
How about some posies to go with your garden full of veggies? It is possible to start potted bulb plants in the spring and enjoy the blooms that year. Begin by checking around the neighborhood for the crocus and daffodil coming into bloom. This will alert you to the fact it is now safe to put out your bulbs. Grape hyacinth, Dutch iris and tulips make excellent choices.
When choosing the bulb plants to set out, be sure to get the ones that are in bud, but not bloom. Upon returning home with them, allow the plants to sit in a protected outdoor area which is protected for a day or so. This will help the plants to acclimate to the outdoor temperatures before planting. Remove the bulb plant from the plastic pot and plant s is into either a large sized container or the prepared bed. By putting these botanical beauties outside, the colorful display they offer will linger on. Indoors, hyacinth blossoms at room temperature normally last about two weeks. Outdoors, however, you are likely to enjoy the blooms for upwards of a month
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