Sierra Mountain Times

Ready, Set, Grow 

Who needs a calendar to know that it is spring? With colorful magnolias, daffodils, and fruit trees in full bloom, nature makes it abundantly clear that spring has once again arrived, and with it comes our favorite part of the year: planting time.  

After a long cold winter, like the one we have had this past year, it is tempting to go out into your garden on the first warm day and start planting. Remember that even though the weather feels warm to you, it may not be warm enough for your new crops. Both soil and air temperatures have to be right for seedlings and transplants to get off to a good start.

Knowing when conditions are best for your new crops will help you pick the right time to start planting. Seed packets and seedling labels usually give general guidelines, but you may want to also check with your local nursery as well. You can plant some cold-tolerant crops such as peas and lettuce as soon as you can work the soil in spring. Depending on your elevation, this could be as early as now, or as late as May. Other crops need warmer soil for germination and good growth. For instance, you can plant bean seeds and squash transplants around the last frost. About two weeks after the last frost, begin planting tender crops such as corn, tomatoes, and melons. Be prepared to protect tender plants such as these, should we get hit with a late frost. Remember last year? Using a soil thermometer will help you accurately gauge your soil temperature.

Every plant needs a certain amount of sun and root space to develop and produce properly. Whether you plant in rows, in mounds, or raised beds, be sure to allow adequate spacing between the seeds or transplants. Look for spacing guidelines on the seed packet or on the plant label.  

Hardiness Zones…

When talking about topics such as planting, gardeners will reference a hardiness zone map. The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map is made up of geographic regions, marked by a range of the lowest temperatures in an average winter for a given area.  We basically have two zones within Tuolumne County. These zones are Zone 7 and Zone 9.  Zone 7, generally speaking, has an average annual minimum temperature of 0 to 10 degrees, whereas Zone 9, generally speaking, has an average annual minimum temperature of 20 to 30 degrees.  

In Zone 7, it is recommended, that in April a gardener might consider doing the following gardening activities: (Always prepare to cover crops in case of a late frost).

Sow carrots and lettuce early, and mulch potatoes with 6 inches of straw.

At mid-month, sow sweet corn, cucumbers, summer squash, and bush beans, as well as herbs.Fill the backside of sunny flowerbeds with tall sunflowers.

Propagate groundcovers and hostas in shady areas.

Set out blackberries and strawberries, and be sure to provide them with plenty of water.

Select new azalea and rhododendron bushes while they are in full bloom to make sure that the colors complement your landscape.

In Zone 9, it is recommended that in April a gardener might consider doing the following gardening activities: (Always prepare to cover crops in case of a late frost).

Replace early spring crops with okra, cherry tomatoes and sunflowers.

Apply mulch.

Late in the month, sow cantaloupe, pumpkins, melons, squash, and other vegetables that thrive in the heat.

Set out bedding plants, such as asters, impatiens, and salvia.

Thin fruit on fruit trees to increase their size.

Sow seeds of nasturtiums, marigolds, and zinnias.

Have any questions about Mountain Gardening?  Contact a Master Gardener by calling the University of California Cooperative Extension 209-533-5695 or email me,: BettyHensley@mlode.com