In the Garden: April

Spring arrives in flowers. Cherry and pear trees are in full bloom and buzzing with bees, and springtime bulbs sparkle in the borders. I love this time of year.

There is much to do indoors and out, rain or shine. The unheated greenhouse is filled with pots and flats of baby plants, ready to move outdoors over the next few weeks. Inside the house are cell trays of freshly planted seeds that prefer controlled heat and bright LED lights to sprout. Trees, shrubs and perennial plants are waking up, and I’m looking forward to seeing my yard filled with veggies, herbs and flowers again this year.

My garden — expansive, messy and always changing — is my happy place, but it may not be the garden you desire for yourself. That’s the joy of gardening: You are in charge of your space and what you want it to be. 

Every successful gardener was once a beginner: We learn through the process and build additional skills along the way. There are many ways to get started, and I’m here to cheer you on and help you along the way.

I am teaching a series of free gardening classes in Point Roberts this spring and summer. Information about topics and dates can be found below, and in the monthly events listings in the All Point Bulletin and on the Point Roberts Park District website calendar.

This year’s first class, “Seed Starting 101,” was held at the community center in March, and I was excited to see so many enthusiastic gardeners gathered in one place. 

We discussed when and how to get started, the pros and cons of starting seeds indoors or outdoors, what supplies are needed, how to read a seed packet and much more. Attendees chose seeds to take home, chatted with old and new friends and asked some great questions. I have many more packets of seeds to share at upcoming classes.

Starting your own seeds saves money and provides a head start on the growing season. When growing from seed, you can choose from a much wider selection of plants than you might find at local nurseries, and you avoid any potential issues with bringing plants across the border. 

Knowing when to start your seeds is the key to success. Many smaller seeds benefit from being started indoors and other seeds prefer to be sown directly into the garden. Some seeds germinate and grow quickly, others can take three weeks or longer to sprout and have a lengthy growing season. 

Seed packets usually suggest when to start your seeds, based on the last average frost date in our area. Generally, plants can go into the garden when nighttime temperatures remain above 50 degrees, which is typically around Mother’s Day in mid-May.

You’ll need small pots or compartmented seeding trays and some lightly dampened seed starting mix or fine textured potting soil to get started. Follow the directions on your seed packets for planting depth, water lightly, then cover with a clear dome or plastic wrap. Place your containers in a warm spot like a windowsill, kitchen counter or top of the refrigerator, and provide strong light for 12 to 14 hours per day.

Remove the plastic covering after the seeds have sprouted. 

If you are using grow lights, they should be no more than 2 to 3 inches above the plants. Water as needed, provide good ventilation, and move plants to a larger container if needed. 

As planting day grows near, move your plants outdoors to acclimate them to the weather: start with an hour on the first day, and add an hour or two daily for seven to 10 days.

 More information and suggested planting dates can be found online at westcoastseeds.com and johnnyseeds.com, and in books available from Whatcom County libraries. 

March, April gardening events

If you want to learn more, please join me for free classes at the Point Roberts Community Center on Gulf Road. All classes are 1 to 2:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 11, will bring a class called “Gardening Basics: the Nitty Gritty of Getting Started.” Whether you’re starting from scratch or getting your garden ready for the new season, you’ll walk away with tips, tricks and science-based information on soil prep, creating beds, growing in pots, feeding the soil, irrigation and dealing with weeds and critters.  

Finally, on Friday, April 24,  there will be a class called “Pollinator Plants.” Pollinator-friendly plants provide a wide range of benefits that extend from your own backyard to the global ecosystem. Learn what to plant and how to nurture nature.

I’ll see you in the garden.