Gardening For Mom

Hydrangea Basket

Here in the misty, marine climate of Western Washington state, the traditional date to begin gardening in full Spring mode has always been Mother's Day. True, we plant peas on Washington's Birthday [February 22 if there is no snow on the ground] and depending on the freezing temperatures, we prune, pamper, and propagate fruit trees, early rhododendrons, winter flowering bushes, and other perennials. Our greenhouses are busy! But if you want to sow seeds directly into the ground for your annual veggies and summer flowers, Mother's Day is the time to get to work!

Your soil can be worked throughout April, sweetened, fertilized and made weed free. Then, once the temperatures are above freezing at night you will be ready to plant directly into the ground. If there has been a lot of heavy rain, delay planting until the rains abate. One year I planted my entire garden three times between Mother's Day and June 1st because unexpected heavy rains with lower temperatures followed a week of warm, sunny weather. My squash, beets, radishes, and beans were washed out twice before they could germinate! It is possible to plant during June and still have some "early" vegetables by the end of July, but later vegetables often aren't ready until Labor Day. If you want sweet corn in August, don't wait until June. Mother's Day is ideal.

Help your Mom in her garden today. Depending on your zone and soil conditions, it's a good bet she could use a little help with weeding and watering. Or help her harvest some greens for your salad. Make this Mother's Day a Gardening Day for Mom!

For all the Mothers, Grandmothers, Aunts, Sisters, Nieces, Cousins and Friends -- Happy Mother's Day and Happy Gardening!


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