Making the right choices for your garden in the spring can help simplify maintenance later on and ensure a bountiful, carefree garden season.
Spring is a busy time in the garden. There are seeds to plant, trees and shrubs to prune and perennials to divide. During the month of May there are many garden activities that can be done which will lead to more success in the garden during the remainder of the season.
Dealing With Seeds
Pre-germinating seeds can save time and money. Putting seeds in a jar of water to soak will help the seeds swell faster. This will lead to faster germination time. Pre-soaking seeds means you will not have to wait for mother nature to provide enough water for the seeds to germinate. You will also not need to spend as much time watering.
The pre-germinated seeds will need to be watered in well once they are planted. You will need to make sure you do not break the tiny root off. Pre-germinated seeds will take a bit longer to plant . You will need to make sure the root is pointing down but you will know the seeds are viable.
May is the time to begin hardening off seedlings that were grown in a greenhouse or under grow lights in the house. If the weather is still a bit on the cool side, simply pot up the seedlings into larger containers.
Moving Plants Outdoors
There are many ways to protect tender young seedlings outdoors before the weather is warm enough for planting. Be sure to watch for low temperatures just in case they fall low enough that additional heat of some sort will be required. Small Christmas lights sometimes produce enough heat to protect plants from low temperatures.
Row covers, hot caps and cold frames are other ways to protect tender seedlings from temperature variations. These items are good for protecting houseplants or newly planted annuals or perennials during unexpected cold weather.
Houseplants can be moved outside during this month as well. Remember to move them into a partly shaded area. This area should be somewhat protected from the elements until they adjust to their new home. A few hours a day at first is best. Gradually increase the time until they are outside all day.
Watch For Pests
Keep an eye out for pests such as aphids or whitefly. Look for piles of garden debris or dead plants that were not cleaned up last fall. These places make perfect hiding places for insects. Debris needs to be cleaned up right away.
If a pest infestation is spotted use a forceful water stream to remove the pests. You can hand pick them or set up a bait that will trap them. Planting to attract beneficial insects is another way to go. It may take a while for the beneficial insects to find the plants.
