Now is Time to Lay Foundation for Successful Garden This Summer

(KNSI)—What planters do right now plays a key role in the success of their vegetable gardens later this summer.

The University of Minnesota Extension recommends starting seeds inside the home in plastic trays or peat pots. They should be put in a mixture that is two parts soil, one part sand, and another part compost. Premixed soils are also available at most gardening centers.

Two to three seeds fit inside each pot. They should be gently watered to avoid drowning. The growing season is underway for several crops, but mid-April is the ideal time to start cabbage and sweet potatoes. When the seeds sprout through the dirt, the extension recommends beginning fertilizer applications.

To harden the seeds, take them outside and put them in the shade for a couple of days. Reducing watering toughens the seeds so they do not suffer transplant shock. The seeds should be moved to the garden on a cool, cloudy day.

The soil outside needs to be prepped thoroughly to create the best growth for the plants. The extension warns against raking and tilling the area if the soil is too wet. A good guideline is to grab a small amount of dirt and roll it in your hand. If it stays molded into a ball, wait until conditions have dried out. Another recommendation is to avoid firmly packing the soil. If the top layer crusts over, it can damage the seeds as they try to emerge.

Warm season crops like tomatoes should not be planted outdoors until after the final frost, typically in mid to late May. Beans, broccoli, eggplant, and peppers shouldn’t go in until June.

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