Garden Tips
by Dawn Slade
Posted 5/22/02

What can be done this time of year to prepare garden and flower beds?
If the flower beds are close to the house, gardeners can start working the soil, if the bed is dry enough to work. An empty flower bed can also be covered with dark plastic to help heat the soil at a faster rate, plus it will kill off any potential weed seeds, bacteria or disease. However, if the soil is too wet, it will get too hard and clump up on you, so make sure the ground is dry before you begin working your flower beds.
According to Master Gardener Gerald Schroeder, a good rule of thumb is when you see nature starting to produce things, then you can begin planting your flowers. Schroeder also answered the following questions.

What type of fertilizers should be used?
Basic fertilizers can be purchased from lawn and garden stores. Schroeder says never use fresh manure, it causes disease and there will be weeds and other seeds in the manure. Fresh manure can also burn the plants. The manure needs to sit for a couple years before it is worked into soil.

When can annuals, perennials be planted?
Because of the cooler temperatures this spring, flowers should be started indoors or in a greenhouse. Pansies are one of the hardier flowers and can be put in now. When trees are in full bloom and dandelions are growing up, and bulbs in flower beds are coming up, then itís time to plant new annuals and perennials. Schroeder suggests letting nature be the real indicator.

Should perennials be planted in the fall?
According to Schroeder, perennials can be planted anytime in the spring, summer or fall, as long as itís not too hot outside.

When can garden vegetables be planted?
If the soil is dry and loose enough, vegetables such as peas, radishes, green onions, spinach and lettuce (seeds that will germinate at 50 degrees or lower) can be put in the garden now.
Even if you canít work the soil yet, cover the garden with plastic to warm it up and get rid of any weeds.

How often should vegetables be watered in the spring time?
Water vegetables lightly after planting, but after that let nature take its course. However, if it gets too dry, additional watering is necessary. Schroeder suggests putting straw or newspaper in between vegetable rows to keep the moisture in and prevent weeds from coming up.

What are the best annuals/perennials for shady and sunny spots in our area?

Sunny areas - bachelor buttons, marigolds, zinnias, pansies, and moss roses
Shady areas - hostas, hollyhocks, celosia (a hardy, grassy plume).