Gardens

Planting Time for Annual Flowers

Planting should safely start in Mid-April

Each year as early March approaches, gardeners often get an irresistible urge to garden. The days become warmer, brighter and longer. As this happens many gardeners want to rush out to purchase seed or transplants of annual flowers. Too often this effort is wasted because of unexpected cold weather or cold soils which may kill tender young transplants. You should fix in your mind that you should not plant until all danger of frost has passed. A safe starting date will fall in the weeks after April 10 to 15 .

Another reason for failure of seeds is a soil that cakes or crusts. A hard crust does not allow moisture to penetrate. Thorough spading or rototilling plus thoroughly mixed organic matter and coarse sand will help avoid crusting. Also making shallow furrows and using vermiculite in them will be valuable. Furrows should be about 1/2 inch deep, filled with vermiculite and watered carefully. A second shallow furrow should be made in the moist vermiculite.

Be sure to sow the seed at the depth and spacing given on the seed packet. Do not plant seed any deeper than recommended on the packet. Germination will be uneven and sparse if the seeds are covered too deeply. After carefully covering the seed, use a hose nozzle adjusted to a mist to thoroughly moisten the soil. It will be necessary to check each day to make certain the bright sun and possible winds do not dry out the seed or vermiculite.

Gardens