The Garden Corner By Sharon Allen Plant propagation
Now is a good time to consider sowing seeds indoors. Your environment will be perfect if you have enough light, either through full spectrum fluorescent lights or south facing windows.
I use plastic flats and cover them with plastic lids to create a greenhouse type of environment. I fill the flats with a soilless mix and then plant the seeds at the recommended depth. A soilless mix helps avoid "dampening off" disease of the seedlings.
I prick the seedlings out and transplant them into larger containers after they have developed their "true leaves" (the first two are seed leaves). I water the seedlings when they are dry and apply an organic fertilizer weekly.
This technique has been so successful for me that this year I am planning a plant sale for all my extras! I am tentatively scheduling it for the first Saturday in June at which time I will open my garden up to the public.
Master Gardener classes
Vermillion will be one of three host sites in South Dakota for Master Gardener classes sponsored by the South Dakota State University Cooperative Extension Service. Some of the topics covered in the classes are trees, shrubs, perennials, vegetables, turf management, weed control and pesticides, landscaping, and disease management. A tentative schedule is May 21, 28, June 4, 11, 18, 25, July 2, 9, and Aug. 6. One more date will be added when the schedule is finalized.
The classes are usually held during the day for about eight hours, so they are a commitment. The cost varies according to whether a person volunteers time or not. Please contact the Clay County Extension Service for more information and the application form. The application deadline is May 1, but late applicants are usually accepted. There is a minimum requirement set at 12 people.
Loading ...
