Start Planting..But What?

Yes! Rejoice! April is finally here! Even though today is a rainy day you have to remember what these April showers bring… FLOWERS! So now that the ground is thawing and the frost is over it is time to start planting soon. Here are some tips on how to decide when to start planting.

Test the soil
After tilling your garden area, walk onto the soil and you don’t feel a slight sink beneath your feet, the ground may be slightly hard for planting. However, you also don’t want to step on the ground and have water rush to your shoes. Somewhere in there is the perfect happy medium.

The Squeeze and Drop
Take a handful of soil and squeeze it into a ball. If the soil doesn’t form a ball, and is still crumbly is it in perfect condition for planting. If it does form into a ball, drop the ball from waist high. If it doesn’t break much or at all, there is too much moisture in the soil. However, if it does fall apart when it hits the ground it should be ready for planting.

Ready for Veggies!

As soon as the ground can be worked you can start planting a few veggies. Onions, peas and spinach can be planted anytime now. Next you would want to plant carrots, radishes, potatoes and other leafy veggies. After you are 100% sure the frost is over (we never know here in Michigan) it is safe to plant beans, corn, melons, cucumbers, squash, peppers, pumpkins and tomatoes.

You can get everything you need from gardening tools to seed, soil, fertilizer, and seed starter kits at Sawyer Home & Garden Center! Shop now for the best selection. Plus coming in May, Chef Jeff plants and starters for kids! You won’t find these quality products at a box store. Make SGC your choice for gardening needs in Harbor Country. Now… go break some ground!

Best wishes,

Christina Allis