If spring has not yet officially sprung, its magic is well underway as the slow thaw spreads throughout the Midwest. A USDA grow guide helps gardeners determine what will survive and thrive in their given climate. The metro area in Minnesota is designated a “zone 4b” for plant hardiness. While gardening season here may be abbreviated compared to other regions, there are many ways to kick start the process indoors. Garden planning now for warmer temps can maximize the season and provide a fun project as we all wait to spend more time in the great outdoors.
Whether a novice or veteran gardener, anyone can start plants from seed in their own home with a few key pieces of equipment and solid expert advice. Ann Sorebo, a Hennepin County Master Gardener says, “One of the biggest benefits to starting plants from seed is you can grow more unique plants and vegetables than you may find at a local garden center. And you can purchase unique seeds at a large variety of places. All garden centers carry a wide array of options as do websites online.”
For a first-time DIY seed enthusiast, Sorebo recommends a few basic materials to get started. Required equipment includes: seeds specific for the desired grow zone; seed starting mix (different from potting soil or topsoil); multi-cell trays with plastic domed lids; grow lights, and a designated area in the home. All necessary materials can be purchased at a local garden center or big box store, or ordered online and delivered straight to your front door. A large indoor space is not required to begin. Anywhere from a corner in the basement to a dining room table can be used for starting the garden.
In most cases, it’s not recommended to plant outdoors until after May 15th as that is the last possible freeze date in our area. If seeds are started now, expect to see germination in six to eight weeks. Around May 1st, gardeners can start the hardening off process, taking tender plants outdoors intermittently for short periods to acclimate them to outdoor conditions. Follow seed packet directions for specific outdoor planting dates, spacing, planting depths, and maturation estimates. Sorebo says reliable vegetable plants for the home gardener in our area include tomatoes, pumpkins, squash, cucumbers, and beans. Mixing in floral annuals like marigolds and alyssum attracts necessary pollinators to help the garden flourish and add visual interest.
Another component of great gardening is great compost. Creating quality compost at home is fairly simple and eco-conscious as it helps conserve soil and water, and assist in producing healthier crops of plants. Composting is not only beneficial for the home garden but also for the larger ecosystem by reducing food waste in landfills. Even small spaces can accommodate a simple under-the-sink compost bin. Collecting vegetable scraps and eggshells, coffee grounds, and other organic matter makes for a no-waste nutrient-rich material and carbon filters keep kitchen composting from producing unpleasant odors. Larger amounts of compost can develop well in sunny spots using an outdoor compost tumbler. Many tumbler systems are effective with or without the help of vermiculture.
The University of Minnesota Extension has a thorough list of crops that grow happily in our Minnesota weather on their website. Another valuable resource is the Hennepin County Master Gardeners website where information is specifically tailored to home gardeners. Volunteers are trained by University specialists to answer general questions, teach classes, and inspire all of us to try our hand at enhancing the environments we live in.
This may even be the year to attempt the stunning heirloom Rouge Vif D’Etampe pumpkin. Also known as ‘Cinderella pumpkins’, these beauties grow in just 100 days and are spectacularly vibrant on a doorstep or can be grown for use in standout culinary delights. With the proper care and conditions, no fairy Godmother will be necessary. We’ll cultivate our own garden magic this year.
Hennepin County Master Gardeners
https://hennepinmastergardeners.org/
479 Prairie Center Drive
Eden Prairie, MN 55344
hcmg@umn.edu
(612) 301-7590