Considerations for planting a garden

Spring is typically the time to plant a garden. Temperatures are warming and the earth is bursting with new growth. Garden centers are well stocked and the excitement for colorful flowers and the tastes of summer are in the air. There are a few things to know before you grow.

Planting and growing a garden can help with food sovereignty, food security, and food access. Knowing where your food comes from and how it is produced is important for health and safety. You can produce your own healthy food sources and off-set your monthly food cost by planting and growing a garden. To be successful, there are several factors that should be considered before planting.

The best practice is to not plant until after last killing frost of the season. Warmer temperatures can be deceiving, and even much more so as garden centers have seeds and plants on display. Be aware that plants need to have consistent air and soil temperatures to survive and thrive. Be sure to read seed packet or seedling information before planting.

There are three common Spring planting times:

Early Spring planting - asparagus, lettuce, onions, peas, radishes, rhubarb & spinach. These may be planted as soon as the soil can be worked. (Approx. mid April)

Mid-Spring planting – beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, parsnips potatoes & turnips. Plant these about two-weeks before the last killing frost. These crops will tolerate some hot weather. (Approx. end of April or first part of May)

Late Spring planting – These crops are easily injured by frost and do not grow well in cool weather – beans, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, melons, peppers, pumpkins & tomatoes. These must be planted after the last killing frost of the season. (Approx. mid to late May)

When deciding what will be grown in the garden, select vegetables and fruit that will grow well in your area. It is important to know your plant hardiness zone. You can find you zone by visiting this website https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/ The Colville Reservation is typically in zones 6a and 6b. By selecting seeds and plants identified for these zones, you are more likely to be successful. Also, you should try to grow vegetables and fruit that your family likes. Dedicating energy and space towards food that will be readily consumed is optimal use of your resources.

You may want to consider growing “high value” foods – those that cost more when purchased from grocery stores. This will help you minimize your food costs by allowing you to produce these items as opposed to purchasing them. This will help with the family food budget.

Most vegetable crops require at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. This is important so that the plants will get enough sunlight to generate enough energy to grow properly and produce their fruit.

Vegetables require fertile, well-drained soil. Performing soil tests and amending the soil with organic matter, to increase nutrients is helpful to over-all plant health.

As the season progresses and weather gets warmer, plants need more water. Easy access to water – hose, sprinkler, drip irrigation system etc. - is very important. As the temperatures increase and plants grow larger, gardens require more water just to survive.

Another consideration is whether to plant directly in the ground our use raised beds or containers. All are good growing options. It just depends on the space and the type of soil that you have available. If your soil is very sandy or very clay-like, you can add fertilizers to improve soil fertility and use organic matter to improve soil structure. Or you could choose to grow in raised beds or containers. An added benefit of containers is that they are portable and can be moved and placed in sunlight or out of the wind.

The location is a key consideration when selecting a garden site. It should be convenient and easily accessible by those who will be working in it. Considerations and adaptations should be made for the elderly, people with mobility concerns, young people, and people with limited range of motion.

While convenience is important in garden site selection, full sun exposure and suitable soil are more important. Your garden should be located for maximum exposure to available sunlight – at least six hours a day. If you are in an area where soils may be contaminated with heavy metals from heavy industry or old orchard practices, consult with your local Extension office or health department about how to conduct a soil test.

Remember, the best fertilizer for a garden is a person’s shadow. Get out and grow!

If you would like more information on gardening or other Extension programs, please contact Linda McLean, Colville Reservation WSU Extension Director, (509) 634-2305 or ljmclean@wsu.edu . Or you may contact your local County WSU Extension office. Extension programs and employment are available to all without discrimination. Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local Extension office. 

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