broccoli
What’s
Blooming in May: Veggies
by Mary Miller, Community Garden
and Outreach Coordinator at the Gardens on Spring Creek
After the cool, wet spring we have experienced, the soils
are now warming up and fewer nights are dipping to freezing temperatures. Sunny and warm days are returning. It is time plant the whole vegetable garden –
even those frost tender seedlings and seeded crops!
Hopefully you’ve stocked up from our Spring Plant Sale and are ready to plant your vegetable garden.
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pepper plants at The Gardens' Spring Plant Sale |
If one has not had opportunity to plant the cool season crops, go ahead and get those in the ground. They include peas, broccoli, cabbages, radishes, lettuces, spinach, Brussels sprouts, cilantro and the like. Whether planting by seed or planting seedling starts, it is time for those crops to get growing. As well, the warm season crops such as basil, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, cucumbers, squash, beans and tomatillos may all be planted. The long season vegetables will be planted as seedlings, while crops such as beans will be direct seeded into the warming soil.
If not done already, prepare the soil by adding compost or other soil amendments prior to planting. If planting is underway, side-dressing with compost or fertilizer may be done as you plant or after finishing the plantings.
Here are some broad elements to consider when planting seedlings
- Start
with well-developed, healthy and strong plants. Look for vigor and good, green
color. Check that roots have reached the
bottom of whatever size pot they are in.
- Consider
the environmental conditions on the day of planting. A hot, sunny or windy day causes greater
stress for the plants than does a cooler, calm and cloudy day. Plant in the cooler part of the day if
possible.
- Plan
ahead and always plant a well hydrated seedling. Thoroughly water the plants allowing them to
take up ample water prior to planting.
- Know and plan for appropriate spacing for mature plants. A tomato may seem plenty small in May. Anticipate it will require significant space come August. Different varieties of the same crop may have different space needs. For example, some broccoli varieties require 32 inches between plants while others are fine with 24 inches. Ensuring the mature plants with good air circulation and adequate nutrients will contribute to healthy plants throughout the season.
Let’s explore the methods of actually planting vegetable
seedlings for optimum success. Start
with loosened soil that has been either tilled, turned or dug and subsequently
raked and free of weeds. With a trowel
or soil knife create a hole larger and deeper than the potted seedling to be
planted. Handle the seedlings with care so as to not damage the stems and disturb
the roots. If the plant is root bound – meaning the roots are packed and tight
in the container, plan to gently loosen them prior to placing them in the
ground. This will give them a jump start
on growing new roots and supporting plant growth. Place the seedling in the ground and push
loose soil around it. Without compacting
the soil, firm it upright into place with your fingers and surround it with
additional loose soil. No need to pack down
or press in the soil around the plant!
Be certain to thoroughly and gently water in the seedlings and the area
around the plants to encourage the roots to reach for that water.
Having experienced numerous late May freezes over the years, all gardeners will wish to keep an eye on weather trends and forecasts into June for Fort Collins and surrounding areas. Plan for any last- minute occasions when protection from the cold may be needed with coverings.
As plants grow on, water deeply to encourage root growth and avoid watering the
soil surface only. Developing strong and ample roots supports strong and
healthy plants. Most crops will thrive
in good garden soil without the need for additional fertilization. The Brassica family of crops which include
cabbage, kale, broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts may benefit from some
added nitrogen early in the season and potentially again in the mid-season. Brassicas
do love their nitrogen!
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| cabbage rows at the Gardens on Spring Creek Garden of Eatin' |
Getting your plants off to a smooth start helps to ensure a great harvest
throughout the season. Transplanting seedlings is wonderfully satisfying. One gets to choose the layout and spacing and
number of plants planted. You, the
gardener, creates an instant garden!
Don’t miss our very own veggie garden – the Garden of Eatin’
– which will be planted in the weeks to come.