In the Garden This Week: It's Time to Get Started Outdoors

Outdoor Planting: The normal last frost date for southern Rhode Island is May 15th. That date has arrived and it is now time to plant summer vegetables and flowers outdoors. In spite of the fact that wer have recently had some cold nights, it appears that the weather has improved enough to either move plants outside or to seed your garden.

Of course, if you grow cole crops like peas, potatoes, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, spinach and several others, they should have been planted in April. But now it is time to plant almost all other vegetables and annuals outside. Of course, if the cold weather comes back it would be a good idea to harden off plants that you started indoors by placing them outside during the warm parts of the day and bring them in at night, if they are in pots or flats.

Many plants, especially perennials and ornamentals are purchased in pots. In many cases they have been grown in those pots for some time. The roots can be wrapped around the root ball. It is always a good idea to loosen up this root ball carefully and to cautiously spread the roots. Do not simply plop the plant into the ground. Those roots need to spread in order to develop as a healthy plant. This loosening also applies when you are planting a tree.

With a tree or a large bush you should remove any covering of the root ball. Remove any wire frame or any burlap so the roots can spread. Knock off about 1/3 of the root ball in order to loosen those roots. Water the hole well. It is not advisable to add fertilizer to the hole. That can burn the tender roots. It is also advisable to loosen the roots even if you are planting from a four-pack or six-pack plastic container. 

Impatiens Downy Mildew: Impatiens have traditionally been the flower of choice for shade areas with vivid colors and the ability to spread all over a bed. However, last year, about July many impatiens plants began to yellow, wither and die just when much was expected of them. In Rhode Island there was a significant infestation of impatiens down mildew. This disease has been around New England for a couple of years and was widespread here last summer. The disease is carried by airborne spores which spread easily when there is wet foiliage, cool temperatures and moist air. Infected plants will not recover. Use of a fungicide will probably  not help either. There is no cure yet. The spores will overwinter and re-infect new plants. Therefore it is suggested by the UMass Extension Agricultural program that impatiens not be planted in the same bed as before for three years. In short, you are taking a risk of losing impatiens if you plant them at all this summer. Many nurseries and garden centers, but not all, are not selling impatiens and that seems like an appropriate course of action.

All is not lost, however. You can grow coleus, begonias, torenia, lobelia, cyclamen, and even sun patiens or New Guinea Impatiens (not susceptible to the downy mildew). All of these are shade-loving alternatives and good substitutes.

Tick problems: As usual we are dealing this spring, as we walk through grass, with a more serious than ususal tick problem. As we become more active outdoors we put ourselves seriously at risk for picking up ticks. They are most likely to be present in moist areas or high grass. Handling wet leaves can also put you at risk. You should spray yourself with products containing DEET or other tick repellants. Accrding to thr UMass weekly landscape message last week, 30% of the ticks that their Tick Assessmant Lab tested carried the pathogen for Lyme Disease. Ticks can also carry other significant pathogens that can cause babeosis and other diseases. So be very careful this spring and summer.

Soil testing: This time of year is also a very good time to get your lawn and garden soil tested. It is valuable to determine the pH and texture of your soil. All plants, including grass, have a range of tolerant pH levels which are the best indicators of how the plants can absorb nutrients from the soil. Most RI soil is acidic, usually in the range of 5.4 to 5.6. This indicates acidity. Most plants do best if the pH is in the 6.2 to 6.8 range. The addition of lime will raise the pH of the soil to acceptable levels. For how much lime to add, bring a cup of soil from your lawn or garden to our soil test kiosk for a free soil test. Our location is listed below.

This blog is intended to keep home gardenersd and lawn care homeowners apprised of current issues in gardening, good or bad. You are encouraged to add comments or ask questions below or you can email us at our email address: gardeninginformationri@gmail.com. We appreciate your input.

URI Master Gardener Soil Test and Gardening Information Kiosk is at Parsadise Valley Park in Middletown (Paradise and Prospect Avenues) every Saturday, rain or shine, from 11 am to 1 pm until the end of September. Feel free to bring us your soil sample or your problems and we will give you personal gardening advice.