It is so hard to resist all the beautiful annuals and perennials on blooming, verdant display at our wonderful local garden shops. Starved for blossoms and greenery, I find myself filling cart after cart with colorful annuals and have-to-have perennials.
It has been a cool and very wet Spring. While the ground has thawed, and to some extent dried out, it is still too early to plant. The soil remains cool. Shade gardens may yet be very cold and wet. Much of the Upper Valley is not reliably frost free until mid-May.
Greenhouse nurtured plants which have not been hardened off can easily be damaged or killed by a late season freeze or frost. Cold, damp soil does not promote healthy root development, essential for plants to thrive.
What is the impatient gardener to do?
Buy your plants.
The widest choice is available over the next few weeks. Should you stock up, be prepared to keep the plants going in their nursery pots and flats until temperatures and garden conditions are favorable for planting.
Your plants will need care. Water as needed, especially plants sold in smaller pots, 4 and 6 packs. These have very little ability to retain moisture. Protection from gusty Spring breezes will help to keep the plants from drying out.
Help them adjust from garden shop to garden.
Harden off greenhouse-grown plants. These plants need a period of adjustment from their former sheltered environment to your garden. Put the plants outside during the day and bring them in or cover them at night. This helps them adjust and protects tender leaves and roots from cold damage. If you can, place the plants outside in the light conditions which they prefer — sun lovers in sunshine, shade lovers in shade.
If you’re purchasing perennials and shrubs from a local, independent garden shop, these may have over wintered in holding beds, or been grown from “starts” at the shop. These are generally already hardened off. If so, they may be planted sooner. Beware of the risk of frost damage and check that the soil is not too cold for planting. Knowledgeable local growers will be happy to give you some guidance.
Always plant in the right size hole with properly prepared soil. Your newly planted perennials will reward your efforts!
If you buy your plants from a big-box store with a garden shop, be aware that their plants may not be locally grown. Many come from warmer regions. They’ve likely spent days on a truck. At the store, their maintenance may be a bit erratic. Expect to give these plants extra care to adjust and thrive. Check your choices carefully before you pay. Avoid plants with any signs of wilt, freeze, mildew, insect infestation or other symptoms of inadequate care.
Make use of the cooler weather to properly prep your garden.
Weed! Weed! Weed! Weeds grow early and fast in the garden. Root them out now, before they become well-established. Spring’s soft, damp soil makes it much easier to pull weeds, especially those with extensive root systems, such as crabgrass.
Remove plant debris. Last season’s early snowfall (Veteran’s Day!) meant many of us did not complete our garden cleanups. Now is the time to get it done. Remove spent annuals, last season’s leaves and other garden debris. Tall perennials left in place for winter interest or bird food should now be cut back to the ground.
Enrich the soil. Dig in some compost. It provides a feast of nutrients. This banquet will be appreciated by both established plants and newbies!
Plant!
You know your garden’s micro-climate best. Get those plants in the ground as soon as you are confident your garden will be frost-free and the soil warmed and not too wet.
Pansies. Perfect for the impatient gardener
Can’t wait to plant? Pot up some containers of cool weather loving pansies.
Still a little early to plant perennials.
Plants held in nursery pots and flats need care. Keep them watered. Protect from frost and freeze, especially at night.