Yahoo Lifestyle 'The Old Farmer’s Almanac' Releases First-Ever Spring Garden Map
Itching to break out the gardening gloves? Winter is almost over, which means it's time to start preparing your yard for a healthy spring garden. However, timing is key when it comes to planting your seeds, and it all depends on location.
The Old Farmer's Alamanac has released a new easy-to-read "How Soon You Can Plant" map that shows each region's anticipated conditions — including precipitation, soil moisture, frost thaw and more — at the start of the season.
According to data from The Old Farmer's Alamanac, the start of planting this year is on track or even slightly earlier than normal. Typically, the gardening season in Southern Mainland U.S. starts between March and May, Central and Northern Mainland U.S. starts between April and June and Southern Canada starts between May and June.
However, there are a few key notes to keep in mind if you live in an area labeled one of the following:
Wet Start
Soil that is wetter than usual can lead to a slow start of the gardening season, which means you might have to a wait a bit before grabbing your shovel. Be patient and avoid starting while the soil is still too wet. To figure out if your soil is ready, The Old Farmer's Almanac suggests digging a 6-inch hole and grabbing a handful of soil. If the dirt keeps its shape, it's too wet.
Dry Start
Soil that is dryer may slow plant growth even when temperatures are favorable for an early start to the gardening season. Before getting started, plan an irrigation system and opt for drought-resistant plants like beans, lavender and sunflowers. Organic materials like mulch can also help maintain moisture in your garden.
Cold Start
Colder temperatures lead to a later start of the season. There are a few different methods you can try for warming up soil, one being through a cold frame — a box with a clear top that keeps heat in and protects plants from harsh winds. You can also opt for plants and vegetables that thrive in colder conditions.
Hot Start
Although warmer temperatures, when paired with enough rain, can promote early planting and growth, too much heat can also put stress on plants. To combat hot conditions, choose heat-tolerant seeds and use shade cloth to filter out some of the sun's rays.
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