Beyond the longer days, warmer weather and budding trees, spring’s onset signals that the last pesky frost is right around the corner, and seedlings will soon take their place in the soil to begin the growing season.

While the sidewalks of grocery and box stores may be stacked with flowers and plants ready for purchase, Larry Campbell, West Virginia University Extension Service agriculture and natural resource agent for Harrison County, advises gardening hopefuls to consider a few critical elements before hitting the checkout line.

Because frosts are still cause for concern well into May, it is important to not purchase plants too early. Doing so will just cause the grower to preserve them until the appropriate planting time, which can contribute to a plant’s declined condition, warned Campbell.

Approaching the date of the last frost—which the WVU Extension Service Garden Calendar predicts to be around May 10 —gardeners should visit a reputable nursery or vendor that sells healthy, disease- and pest-free plants.

When browsing the selection, gardeners should consider what varieties to plant based on three S’s: sunlight, soil and space.

Campbell first recommends observing the proposed garden space to see if it drains properly and receives the proper amount of sunlight. Most plants need approximately eight hours of sunlight, and only some plants will thrive in shady or partly sunny locations.

Beyond sun and moisture conditions, first-time gardeners should test their soil for proper nutrients and pH levels. If the soil needs improvement, supplies should be purchased several months in advance of planting.

“Soil is critical to a plant’s success,” Campbell said. “Our first recommendation before starting a garden or flowerbed is to do a soil test, which will reveal how acidic or alkaline the soil is.”

West Virginia soil tends to be acidic, which can be corrected by routine lime applications several months before planting, he said.

Gardeners should take special care if planting in moist soil, or soil that is seasonably wet. Several plant species exist that can still thrive in shaded or moist environments. Species that thrive well in shade include caladiums, impatiens, begonias, hellebores, heuchera and pulmonaria. Plants such as the coleus, lily of the valley, and some varieties of lilies and irises can tolerate increased moisture.

Lastly, in small-space areas, Campbell reminds gardeners to be conscious of a plants’ growth habits when planting to ensure overcrowding does not occur. The plant’s projected size at maturity should be considered in order to provide optimal space between adjacent plants.

Look for well-labeled, zone-appropriate plants when shopping. Tag or label information often includes a plant’s variety, light requirements, growth habits, zoning, planting instructions and disease resistances.

West Virginia has a range of temperature zones, but according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zone Map, the majority of the state’s elevations are best suited for zone-six plants.
After “zoning in” on a plant variety, plants should be examined for vigor, color and potential pests or diseases, which can sometimes be apparent on the underside of seemingly healthy leaves.

As far as plant structure, Campbell said that plants should be stocky, not leggy, with well-developed stems and foliage. Tall, leggy plants have a tendency to be weak and fall over. And while they may be pretty, gardeners avoid plants with excessive or mature blooms, which tend to delay root development at planting.

Ultimately, Campbell advises gardeners to have fun with the gardening process.

“You can follow every bit of advice and still have the occasional gardening misstep,” said Campbell. “Gardening is a learning process, and good gardeners are ones who roll with the punches and let that be a lesson learned for the following year.”

For more information on planning a spring garden, visit the “Gardening 101” section of WVU Extension Service’s website at www.anr.ext.wvu.edu/lawn_garden/gardening-101.

-WVU-

bu/04/07/15

CONTACT: Cassie Thomas, WVU Extension Service
304.293.8735, Cassie.Thomas@mail.wvu.edu

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