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SPRING IN THE GARDEN: Planting too early can prove to be fruitless

Ellen Presley
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Planting your garden too early could prove disastrous. Stock image

Ellen Presley

Special to The Record

I am so proud to live in the Comox Valley and equally proud of the people with whom I share this beautiful place. Every day I am fortunate enough to witness the kindness and generosity of our staff and customers. In this time of stress it is so reassuring that we are trying to look out for one another. One lady came in to do shopping for her neighbours who were elderly. She bought items for five different families. Another man helped us by sanitizing his own carts after he used them. One of my amazing staff gave me a bottle of her rubbing alcohol, when the store ran out so that we were able to remain open and keep everyone as safe as possible.

Acts like these may seem small, but they mean so much to everyone. We are all scared…some more than others. Compassion rather than criticism is definitely what will get us through this time.

We have been fortunate enough to keep the store open and our shelves full. For many people this is their first time starting a vegetable garden. There are some wonderful sites that can help beginners: Westcoast Seeds has a very informative website.

One rule of thumb is not to plant too early. You can go ahead and plant all your hardy perennials, trees and shrubs now. For vegetables, choose the cooler weather crops like broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, lettuce, kale, brussel sprouts, celery and kohlrabi. We have already started them for you and you can put them in with a bit of protection from frost. Many of the seeds like peas, radishes, lettuce, beans, spinach and sweet peas can be planted now. Check the package. If it says to ‘wait until the danger of frost has passed,’ then you might have to wait another month. Some vegetables like corn, cucumber, squashes and melons won’t be happy if you plant them this early. The soil has to be warm, so wait.

For new gardeners, the temptation to buy flowering annuals is irresistible. It is still too early to plant geraniums, marigold, petunias and zinnias. However, if you protect them from frost by using a light cloth over top of them at night or keep them under the cover of your deck and harden them off, then they might make it. Frost is still possible until the May long weekend. If you are lucky enough to have a greenhouse, keep them safe there until the evening temperatures have warmed up. Otherwise, you just have to be patient. Many seeds can be started inside your house and kept warm until May. We all want to push the season, and pretend that it’s summer already. Try to resist. There is no point in having to buy your plants twice.

I know it’s difficult to wait but it saves you money in the long run. Clean up your gardens, prepare your soil with amendments and plant what you know is safe. If you have any doubts ask a knowledgeable nursery person before you plant. We want to help you become a successful gardener with a fabulous garden. So hang in there, treat each other with kindness and soon it will be summer before you know it. Happy gardening.

Ellen Presley is the owner of Anderton Nursery.