It is time to garden

In the Garden
Ralph Purkhiser, Purdue University Master Gardener

     It is time to garden.  May 10 is considered the frost-free date for southern Indiana, so there is little chance to lose plants to a late frost now.  Soil temperatures at the depth of four inches are not quite up to the 70-degree threshold, so you do not have to get everything done at once.  Plants that are planted later in warmer soil often catch up with plants put in while the soil is cool.
     Transplants for warm-season crops may go in any time now.  If your tomato plants have gotten a little too tall, you may increase the root zone by burying part of that long stem.  Some people like to dig deep holes for tall tomatoes, but the deeper you go, the cooler the soil.  I like to dig a trench about four inches deep and at least half the length of the plant.  Lay the plant in the trench, carefully bending it up at the point where the plant will be in its row.  Adventitious roots will form along the buried stem, meaning the plant will be able to take up more moisture and more nutrients.  Go ahead and put in the stakes or cages, so you will not be disturbing the roots later.  I also recommend mulching the tomatoes at planting time.  The mulch will help prevent weeds and will keep the soil temperature more constant.  It also tends to keep the moisture level constant, and that helps prevent cracking on the fruits.  I prefer to use an organic mulch, which will enrich the soil as it breaks down.  Clean straw, shredded paper or finished compost are good for garden mulch.  Avoid using wood chips or bark, as they would not break down before next season.  You may also choose to use a weed-preventer before mulching.  There are both organic and non-organic preventers, some of which also contain fertilizer.  Be careful not to let these products drift into areas where you will be sowing seeds, and they work by preventing seed germination, and they cannot differentiate between the desired crops and the weeds.
     Speaking of seeds, it is also time to begin planting summer crops that grow from seed, such as corn, beans, squash and cucumbers.  Again, there is no big rush.  These may be planted any time, as long as the crop will mature before the fall early frost date of October 10.  In fact, if you are planting for daily meals, it is best to stagger plantings.  Plant a few beans now, and plant again in a month, and you will have fresh beans for a longer period.  If you are planning to can or freeze your crop, you will need to plant more to mature at one time.
     The rules for ornamentals are not much different.  You may now safely plant the transplants for annual flowers and tender perennials.  You may also start seeding flowers that you plan to grow in place from seed.  Like the vegetables, you may want to stagger the plantings a bit to ensure plenty of fresh flowers will be available for bouquets later in the summer.
     I will also start taking houseplants outside for the summer.  Some tropical plants will need to remain in the house until temperatures are warmer, but many sub-tropical plants will do fine outside now.  I will plant some in the garden, while others will remain in pots.  I usually group pots in a few areas of the garden, keeping them close to water sources.  Most of the plants need to be in the shade for a couple of weeks, as they acclimate to the increase in light.  Experiment a bit.  You may find that some of your houseplants are great companions for some of the perennials in your garden.  I like to plant black-eyed Susan vine where it can meander up through large plants, such as my huge rubber tree.  I am ready to get out there and start dreaming up some new combinations to enjoy for the next several months.  
          The annual Sandhill Gardens plant swap will be held on the first Saturday in June.  Bring extra plants you have purchased or that you have dug from your gardens.  You may also bring seeds, garden tools and even garden décor to trade with other gardeners.  You may just find a treasure.  The Garden Swap will be June 3, from 10 AM until noon.