YORKTON - Just a reminder, gardeners, that the Yorkton and District Horticultural Society Spring Bulb and Plant Sale will be held on Friday, June 7 from 9:20 AM till 2PM (or while supplies last) at the Parkland Mall, Yorkton. I say ‘while supplies last’ because last year we sold out very early, so it’s best to visit the sale early after the start time, rather than later! You will find good plants at good prices, and gardeners on hand to answer any questions. Everyone is welcome!
Thank you to Nancy Bird for her interesting and informative presentation last week on making natural dyes. I know we all learned a lot! It’s amazing to think of the many gifts that plants give us, not only food, but beauty, medicinal, and decoration with lovely dyes! Thank you, Nancy!
The Hort society would like to extend our sympathy to the family of Vi Protz, a long-time member of the YDHS. Vi was an enthusiastic member and judge, and a fine gardener. She shared her time and kind talent with the Society and will be missed. Vichnaya pamyat, Vi.
Well, gardeners, the Victoria Day weekend has passed, and traditionally the weekend around May 24 or 25 has been ‘garden-planting time’. I think we have all talked to people who say “oh, yes, we planted our potatoes (or whatever seed) weeks ago, but nothing is up yet.” Have you heard this? We can’t wait to get out there, but the fact is that unless the soil is a certain temperature, seeds will not germinate. And wishing doesn’t make it so!
I did some homework about what soil temps should be, and the average for most seeds is around 15 to 21 degrees Celsius ( or 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit). Ideally this would be the temperature about four inches down into the soil. As gardeners we have to understand that the temperature of the soil affects more than germination. If it is too cold, the seed will sit there and not germinate, or it may rot. Even if the seeds do germinate, the temperature of the soil will affect how well the plant can work to take in water or nutrients. If the plant is unable to do this properly, it will have a poor start and may not really regain strength to do well.
The best way to check the soil is with a soil thermometer. I have read that farmers can check their soil twice a day, morning and early evening, and take an average. (Although I know that many farmers, like my father-in-law, and many gardeners, like my Mom, could do this by instinct and experience). In a less scientific method, I have also heard from gardeners that when you can walk barefoot on the soil and your feet don’t get cold, it is fine. But I hold little faith in that method, because we all have different internal thermometers, don’t we!
The daily temperature high is part of an indication, too. If the snow has barely melted, and the daily highs are really quite low, common sense would tell us that the ground has not had a chance to warm up. And wishing doesn’t make it so!
There are certain seeds that don’t mind a bit of a chill. Peas, carrots, Swiss chard and lettuce can all handle cooler soil, around 40 degrees. But most seeds require more heat.
We all are tempted to push the envelope a bit and try to plant a bit earlier, but certain variables are needed for success in the garden. One variable for success that is most important is to error on the side of waiting patiently until things are really warm and ready…and the least important variable is to plant as if planting the garden is a race. It isn’t. It’s a joy and a gift of Mother Nature, and she knows when things will grow, even if we don’t!
Thank you to YTW for their great work. Visit the hort society at www.yorktonhort.ca and a fun week!
