Guess what! We can celebrate that spring begins on March 19. This is the date of the spring equinox, where day and night are almost the same length. The spring equinox this year is the earliest that it has been in over 100 years, since 1896, and there won’t be an equinox on March 21 (the date we’re most used to in our lifetime) until 2101. Let’s remind each other about it that year, all right?
Have you started any seedlings this year? If so, you may be watchful and anxious about your plants damping off. We use the term so easily, but what is it, exactly? “Damping off” is a condition where fungus affects tender new seedlings, causing them to rot just below the soil surface and perish. Pythium is the name of the fungus that is often the culprit. The condition comes swiftly, and a plant that looks healthy will suddenly seem to be fading and wilting. Glancing at the weakening plant, we might think that it needs water, which only adds to the problem. But by this point, the plant is sadly beyond rescue.
There is nothing more disappointing than having a nice little tray of seedlings emerging, and then seeing them lying flat on the soil. They cannot be revived by transplanting.
I did some homework about what we gardeners can do to avoid this affliction with our plants. First of all, we must make sure that all our containers are clean. We should use fresh potting soil, (not garden soil), and we should be sure that our containers drain well so that the little plants are not sitting there with wet feet. We must be careful not to overwater! Cool conditions in the “plant nursery” can also cause damping off. The fungus can affect more than one plant; if you have a tray of seedlings, be watchful. If you have several plants that die, dispose of that soil. Having a fan near the plants, to promote good air circulation, is another way to help prevent damping off.
Sweet Pea started many plants, and I remember the tender loving care that she gave those little plant babies. She checked the plants morning and evening, and when she watered them in the early stages, early in the day, she used a teaspoon and carefully spooned slightly warm water between the seedlings, never on them.
Thankfully, damping off happens in the early stages, and if the plants can make it past their tender beginnings, they will likely continue to grow strong and healthy.
It is a fun challenge to all gardeners to start their own seeds. Not only is it a chance to grow varieties of plants that may not be common at the greenhouses, but it is very satisfying to watch the plants grow from seed to flower. Plants should be started about eight weeks before the last frost. Every year is different in this regard, but it is always a learning curve! And thanks to the internet, you can easily find out the date of last year’s last spring frost. Around Yorkton, in 2019, it was May 22-28.
Visit us at www.yorktonhort.ca and see the interesting and educational schedule of events for the coming year. Have a great week!
