When the lilacs are in full bloom – it’s time to get planting

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HURON — Whether you’re an avid or a hobby gardener, this spring has really thrown a lot of people for a loop. A very cool spring along with the 19 inches of snow in April, has left the ground too cold and wet to till and has many wondering if planting a vegetable garden this year will be worth the effort.
Julie Hoffman at East River Nursery says not to panic. What we interpret as a short growing season, is actually, well, pretty normal, we just haven’t witnessed it for a few years. “Regardless of which side of the fence you are on when it comes to ‘climate change,’ we have had drier winters and warmer springs for the last three to five years,” Hoffman said. “But the old timers will tell you they usually waited until Memorial Weekend  to plant, when the danger of frost was gone and the soil had warmed up. Some would even set their clocks to when the lilacs were in full bloom or by when the Purple Martens returned.”
With that being said, depending on which way the weather goes, this may not be the best year for cold weather crops which prefer lower night-time temperatures.
Hoffman explains that hot weather does not suit them, vines won’t pollinate well, vegetables may not set, and the plants might go to seed (bolt) early when the hot weather hits. For them, high temps are a big stressor. On the other hand, night-time temps above 50 degrees are ideal for warm weather crops. Cold soil and cold nights are their stressor, but once planted into warm soil, they should take off like crazy.
Vegetable gardens should be planted in a well drained, level spot that receives at least eight hours of full sunlight. Many backyard gardeners are leaning towards raised beds, especially baby boomers, Hoffman noted. “ They’re really not necessary, but do make gardening easier for those who have difficulty kneeling or stooping over.”
A sandy, loamy mix is the ideal soil for most plants as it allows the roots to breath, spread out and fully develop. But as luck would have it, this part of South Dakota tends be a clay mix. And although clay contains many beneficial minerals plants need, it’s incredibly dense and so compact that plants will literally suffocate in it. “Healthy soil is probably more important than what you plant,” states Hoffman. “Roots need to be able to breathe and spread out for optimal growth.”  She strongly recommends adding gypsum, along with organic and composted material that over time will help break up the clay and resolve the problem.
Hoffman had a word of warning about using composted material from public piles or fresh grass clippings. When using compost from a public area, it’s impossible to know what it has been contaminated with. Fertilizers, herbicides or even pesticides could unknowingly be brought into your garden and have detrimental effects. Grass clippings should always be composted first. The fungi and bacteria  responsible for breaking the grass down are rapid feeders and will draw in all available nutrients from the surrounding soil, especially the nitrogen from the plants already growing in the garden.
When purchasing plants for your garden this year, be sure to check out the date to maturity and choose the earlier season crops. Ones that takes 120 days to mature might not be in the cards this year. Of course, when it comes to tomatoes, a garden favorite, what can be done to prevent the diseases that can plague them?

Many fungal diseases are already present in the soil and there to stay. They are transmitted through water splashing up on the leaves of the plant. Hoffman suggests using landscaping fabric to cover the soil under the plant and then mulch with coarsely chopped straw.

Here are a few more tips gleaned from the internet.
• Purchase disease resistant varieties - it helps, but is no guarantee.
• Disinfect tools and cages with one part bleach to nine parts water.
• Plant in warm soil.
• Don’t crowd, they need good circulation.
• Remove lower branches up to where the first blossoms begin.

• Water only in the mornings.
• Remove any diseased looking leaves as soon as you see them.
And when any gardening issues or dilemmas come up, Hoffman stresses the importance of having the problem diagnosed before buying a product. “This will save you, your plants and your garden from a lot of unnecessary aggravation.”
So by conditioning the soil, choosing the right plants, properly treating diseases, and receiving ample rain this summer, we should be able to look forward to an abundant harvest this fall.

Diane Carter/Plainsman
East River Nursery located south of Huron, carries a huge variety of vegetables along with flowers and landscaping plants.