The warm spring temperatures we have been experiencing lately have many local gardeners asking when can I plant my garden? Good question, as gardening and weather work hand and hand. Generally, the May long weekend is the planting weekend for the Prince George area. However, this year the early spring has some gardeners already putting in their gardens. The earlier the garden is planted, the earlier you can harvest!

Seeds need warm soil to germinate. Ideally the warmer the soil, the faster germination occurs. Some seeds such as peas, onions, lettuce, spinach, and parsnips can germinate in cooler (4C) soil. The seeds can be sown as soon as the soil can be worked. Even if there is a frost the seeds will be protected by being under the soil. After the seeds germinate these vegetables will tolerate a mild frost so they are safe to plant anytime now. Some of them such as parsnips which take a long time to germinate and grow, peas which are a cool season crop, and spinach which prefers cooler temperatures because warm temperatures will cause it to bolt do better when they are planted earlier.

Other vegetable seeds such as beans, cucumbers, squash, corn, and pumpkins are heat loving plants and should not be sown until later in the season when the soil has warmed up to around 15 Celsius. These plants will not tolerate frost and so should be sown when all risk of frost has passed usually around mid May.

Another thing to consider when sowing seeds in moisture. Seeds need moisture to germinate, but too much moisture will cause them rot. Seeds that sit in soil that is cold and wet will rot.

The type of garden and where it is located will make a difference. For example, a garden that is on a southern slope will warm up quickly as will raised beds. Container gardens can be planted earlier because the soil is warm and the container can be placed in a protected area and moved later when the weather warms up.

Many gardeners like to use bedding plants when putting in a garden. Some bedding plants such as leeks, onions, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, kale, brussels sprouts, will tolerate a frost. It is always a good idea to harden off the plants before planting them outdoors in the garden so they are not shocked. Place the bedding plants outdoors during the day and bring them in at night so that they adapt to the cooler temperatures. After a few days they will be hardened off and ready to be planted in the garden.

Heat loving vegetable plants such as tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, corn, beans, cucumbers, squash, etc., will not tolerate any frost and should not be planted outdoors until all risk of frost has passed. I have found over the years, that the full moons can also have an impact on the weather. If there is a full moon on a clear night, there is a better chance of frost. There is a full moon May 21, so if you have frost tender plants in the garden, cover them with a frost protection blanket to keep them safe from the frost.

Back to the question, of when to put the garden in. This depends on where you live and how adventurous you are. You can plant some seeds now, and see if they come up and if they don’t you can always re-seed again, and if they do come up you will be able to enjoy an early crop of vegetables!
-Jos

Jos Van Hage owns and operates two Art Knapp Home and Garden Centres in Prince George:
Highway 16 West at Kimball Road
Highway 97 North at Northwood Pulpmill Road