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What's Blooming in May: Veggies

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.

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!

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.

  

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