It’s difficult not to catch spring fever. Warm weather arrives,
and suddenly you itch to start planting new flowers and vegetables
in your garden. You rush down to the garden center, put up with
crowds and long lines, and pack your shopping cart with
already-started transplants. Among local favorites are impatiens,
tomatoes and a variety of other flowers and vegetables.
It’s difficult not to catch spring fever. Warm weather arrives, and suddenly you itch to start planting new flowers and vegetables in your garden. You rush down to the garden center, put up with crowds and long lines, and pack your shopping cart with already-started transplants. Among local favorites are impatiens, tomatoes and a variety of other flowers and vegetables.
But let me provide a word of warning: Don’t rush when it comes to spring planting. Planting too early is the single biggest cause of trouble. First off, growth rates accelerate hugely as soil warms up. Planting on the first possible day versus waiting a few weeks will result in only a few days’ difference in maturity.
Secondly, it’s natural to want to rush to get your plants in the ground. Yet, after a long winter of cold and rain, most garden soils simply aren’t ready for planting. It’s vital that you amend your garden soils by digging in amendments before planting. Organic compost, planting mix, redwood soil conditioner, gypsum, steer manure, peat moss and more can be added to your garden before planting.
I’m a big believer of an old garden saying. It goes something like this: “If I had $20 to spend at a garden center, I would spend $15 on soil amendments and $5 on plants.” This philosophy is especially true when it comes to your first visit to the garden center this time of year.
Of course, I know many home gardeners will not heed my advice. I admit, it’s tough to ward off the urges of spring fever – I’ve already visited the local garden center several times. Here are few tips to avoid the big crowds this time of year.
– Most importantly, try timing your trip to the nursery. In other words, shop during the off times. Instead of weekends, go during the week. Be sure to check the off days of small, family-owned nurseries, though, since they are traditionally closed on Wednesdays or Thursdays. My favorite time to shop at the larger establishments with longer hours is right after work during the dinner hour.
– Also, be informed. There’s nothing worse than not knowing if that cauliflower plant needs full sun or partial sun. (Note: For the most part, all vegetables need the hottest area of your garden to thrive). Try to ask yourself questions such as these: Approximately how many hours of sun does your garden receive? What direction does that new flower bed face? On which side of the house will the shrub be placed? How much wind does that area get?
– Finally, use common sense. For example, don’t try to cram a 15-gallon tree into a two-seater sports car. If you know you need to buy a large specimen, use a truck. Borrow a friend’s pickup if need be. That person usually be more than willing (especially if you fill it with gas before returning it). Also, leave the high heels and suits at home. Try to wear something comfortable when shopping for your garden needs.
So, procrastinators, rejoice. There’s still plenty of time to get your spring garden going. But be sure to get the most from your trip to the nursery.
