When is the best
time to Plant?
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Too Cold or Too Wet?
If you've read a spinach-seed packet, then you've probably seen the advice
"sow as soon as the soil can be worked in spring." But what exactly does
this mean? We called on a team of horticulturists and soil scientists to
help us identify clues that indicate if soil is ready for seeds and
transplants. After a little digging, our experts revealed that learning your
soil's temperature and moisture content is the key to knowing when to sow
and grow.
Each vegetable crop has an ideal temperature range that promotes optimal
growth. |
Cool-season crops, such as kale and peas, grow faster and resist disease
better at lower soil and air temperatures than warm-season crops, such as
tomatoes and eggplants.
If the soil is too cold at planting time, "germination and early growth is
slowed, which leaves the new seedling exposed and vulnerable to soil
microbial and fungal attacks.
Getting your soil's moisture content right is a bit of a balancing act: If
there's too much moisture, your seeds will rot; too little, and they won't
germinate. Wet soils can contribute to disease problems, "and even 'drown'
the seed by limiting oxygen uptake critical for early seedling growth.
Working in wet soil can also damage its structure, resulting in hard clods
that take years to break back down. |
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Steps to
Seed Sowing Step 1:
Know your average last-frost
date. This date, which is specific to your location, is the average date of
the last spring frost as observed over several years. Call your county
extension service (it's in the blue pages of your phone book) for the date.
Step 2: Determine your soil's
temperature. A soil thermometer is the most accurate way to take your soil's
temperature. Simply stick the probe into the soil and wait to see consistent
readings for a few days. Plant when the soil reaches your crop's ideal
temperature.
Step 3: Test soil moisture. Dig down 4
to 6 inches, grab a handful of soil, and squeeze it into a ball. Then try to
crumble it between your fingers. If it won't crumble and feels a bit like
brownie batter, it's too wet. Wait a few days and try again. If it crumbles
easily, it's ready for planting. If the soil slides through your fingers,
it's too dry. Soak the soil and let it drain. Plant once it passes the
squeeze test.
Step 4: Know your crops. Figure out what
soil temperatures your favorite vegetables prefer and what weather they can
tolerate. Use your last-frost date to establish planting dates. Just be sure
than the soil is warm and dry enough before planting.
Step 5: Add organic matter. Regularly
incorporating organic matter (compost, cover crops, etc.) into soil improves
its physical condition and workability. A soil that drains well and is easy
to cultivate, conducive to seed germination and root growth, and resistant
to crusting. |
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