Posted April 3, 2021 at 5:01 am CT
SHUT DOWN
As with real estate, a garden is all about location, location, location.
Is there enough sun? Near a tap? Not too far from the house so you can see your beautiful plants and weeds too?
With the warmer temperatures, the garden centers have sprung up everywhere. With the plans you’ve been working on this winter, it’s time to start real gardening.
May be. April is for cool season harvests such as peas, spinach, lettuce, beets, and carrots. Tomatoes and peppers still have to be patient for a while. We’re in zone 5 here, and that means we could have frost by mid-May.
If you get an Easter Lily this weekend, soak it inside until it starts to fade, then plant it outside for a second bloom. (Photo: CONTRIBUTION)
But if you need some paint to wash off the winter and keep in company with the daffodils and tulips, plant some pansies. They love the cool weather, and although the heat may hit them in July, they will likely reappear in early October and stay until a hard frost.
But we have to talk about soil. It’s the basis for all of your plants, but so easy to miss. You can get it tested by contacting the Johnson County Extension Office. Do not work the soil when it is wet. Take a handful and press; If it sticks to your hands, you better wait.
Soil is the most important substance in your garden, and yet we take it for granted. The color of your soil is a good indicator of how your garden will grow. The soil with large amounts of iron is orange-brown to yellowish-brown. When it contains a lot of organic materials, it is almost black.
The soil that drains properly is light in color. However, if it’s wet and damp, look for patterns in red, yellow, and gray.
Another important component are the worms. The full moon that we had a few days ago is known as the “worm moon”. Earthworms come to the surface and by digging in, oxygen can spread in the soil and their castings provide fertilizer.
Changes like compost, grass clippings, and dried manure rejuvenate the soil or just add to its wealth.
When your soil is ready, and so are you, sow some peas, lettuce, or spinach and watch it emerge in a few days. If you have children, hire them.
We hope this year will be a better spring, with the freedom to chat with our neighbors, exchange plants, visit the garden centers and kindergartens while still wearing your mask but enjoying the gardening promises.
Read or share this story: https://www.press-citizen.com/story/life/home-garden/2021/04/03/dont-jump-the-gun-on-gardening-plans/4830439001/
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