Wet Soil Putting a Damper on Spring Planting in Central Minnesota

(KNSI) – The recent drought busting rains are putting a damper on spring planting.

In the last week, the St. Cloud area has been drenched by 2.64 inches of rain, with more forecast for Saturday. Experts say all that rain and cloudy weather are keeping soil temperatures below 65 degrees, the optimal temperature for planting perennials, trees and shrubs.

Thomsens Garden Center Perennials Department Manager Michelle Miller told KNSI News that even if the ground is warm enough, it might be too soaked. “You’re going to have to test your soil. Take a handful and if you squeeze water out of it, it’s too wet. If you can take a handful and it forms a ball in your hand that breaks apart easily, then it’s fine.”

Miller explained that if you tackle garden work while it’s wet, you will end up hurting the soil. “That means the particles in the soil are so close together that oxygen and water can’t get through. And that’s not good for the health of the soil. It’s not good for the health of the plants. So if you work your soil and it’s too wet, you end up compacting it, and you just create problems for yourself further down the line.”

She says sandy soil can dry up in one to three days, while clay could take a week or more.

So, what can you do right now? Miller says it’s the perfect conditions for hand weeding. “If you want to go dig up your dandelions, actually, with all those rains, this is a great time to do it. Because a lot of times, that loosens the roots and it’s easy to pull them out. And also for something like a crabgrass. You can often get that whole thing up if you go out there when the soil is wet.”

If your garden passes the moisture check and temperature test, which can be done with a meat thermometer, Miller says feel free to start planting whatever your heart desires. The exception would be for annual plants. Those shouldn’t be outside until Memorial Day, and they need to be exposed to the elements slowly.

If anyone has questions, check out Thomsens Garden Center at 29754 156th Avenue in Saint Joseph or click here.

___