Q: I’m just getting into vegetable gardening, and I’m really looking forward to growing my own veggies. My problem is I’m very impatient and was hoping you could give me some help as to when it is safe to start planting vegetables outdoors in the Edmonton area?
A: This is probably one of the most common questions I receive every spring. After a long winter, it’s only natural to want to rush outside and start planting. However, Edmonton gardeners need to remember that our growing season is relatively short, and spring weather can still be unpredictable. The key factor is soil temperature. Even if the air feels warm, the soil may still be quite cold in April. Many vegetable seeds struggle to germinate in cold, wet soil and may rot before they have a chance to sprout.
Fortunately, a few hardy vegetables actually prefer cool conditions. Peas, spinach, radishes, arugula, and leaf lettuce can usually be planted once the soil can be worked and is no longer soggy. In many years, this happens toward the last week of April. One can only hope the same is true this year.
Warm-season vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, squash, and peppers should definitely wait. These tender plants are very sensitive to frost and should not be planted outdoors until the danger of frost has passed. In Edmonton, the traditional guideline is to wait until the Victoria Day long weekend, although some gardeners prefer to wait until the end of May to be safe. I am not one of those patient types. If the weather is reasonably warm, I’m out there on Victoria Day. Having said this, I have lost a few sensitive plants, so fair warning.
Q: I was just out surveying the yard and noticed a few bare spots. Do you have any tips on the best way to the best way to repair them?
A: Winter damage to lawns is quite common in our climate. Snow mould, ice buildup, and fluctuating temperatures can all leave patches of dead or thinning grass. Once the lawn begins to dry out in spring, start by gently raking the damaged areas to remove dead grass and loosen the surface of the soil. This will help grass seed make good contact with the soil. I also like to add a handful or two of potting mix to the top of the soil.
Next, sprinkle fresh grass seed over the affected areas. Choose a seed mixture suited for northern climates. Lightly rake again so the seeds are covered, and then apply a thin layer of compost or topsoil to help retain moisture.
Keep the area evenly moist while the seeds are germinating. This may require light watering every day or two during dry weather. With a little patience, new grass should begin appearing within a couple of weeks.
Every week, Growing Things Outdoors runs online at edmontonjournal.com or, if you prefer an epaper format, epaper.edmontonjournal.com
Learn more by emailing your questions to filipskigerald@gmail.com, reading past columns or my book Just Ask Jerry. You can also follow me on X (Twitter) @justaskjerry01.