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Spring is an exciting time when we see nature awaken and seedlings bloom into lively plantlings. Spring brings the optimal temperature, rich nutrients in the soil, and more extended daylight that could help various plants and vegetables. Many want to turn their backyard into a blooming garden but make mistakes that could ruin the dream garden. Lack of awareness, such as not using the proper cultivation techniques, incorrect seed selection, and inadequate nutrition supply, can lead to outcomes that we may not expect. Here are some common mistakes one could avoid when planting spring seeds and how to prevent them.
Mistakes and Solutions To Avoid When Planting Spring Seeds
1. Sowing seeds on cold or untended soil
The weather getting warmer doesnβt necessarily mean that one should start planting. That is because when we grow organic vegetable seeds in soil that is too cold for them, the plants will not successfully germinate. This could even lead to foliage necrosis, stunted growth, surface pitting, wilting, and undeveloped roots, which can make the plants susceptible to bacterial and fungal diseases.
Solution: Organic vegetable seeds like tomatoes and peppers need a soil temperature of 60-70 F to germinate. One should check soil temperature with a soil thermometer to avoid planting in cold soil and wait for the temperature to be warm enough. If you buy vegetable seeds in advance, it may be a beneficial idea to pre-warm the soil by covering it with black plastic or row covers that help elevate the soil's temperature before planting. This step will enable your organic seeds to obtain the conditions for optimum growth and grow into healthy plants.
2. Disregarding Heat Spikes In Late Spring
People sometimes plant seeds at the end of the spring season. Itβs a big mistake, as late spring can bring a sudden increase in temperature that causes plants to experience water stress, making it difficult to absorb water from the soil. Their leaves can start rolling up, indicating dehydration. Moreover, young seedlings and tender plants can rupture their cell wall from high heat and damage their tissues, which leads them to die. Not just that, Β flowersΒ and fruits may have stunted growth.
Solution:Β Heat spikes in late spring can be avoided by covering the plantings with mulch, as it slows evaporation and minimises the soil's temperature fluctuations. Heat stress can be reduced by providing shade to the plants with cloth or other means, providing adequate moisture, and not using pesticides and insecticides in higher temperatures. Furthermore, you should avoid sowing at higher temperatures and plant spring seeds at the correct temperature. For ease, buy vegetable seeds online that are resistant to high temperatures.
3. Failing to Protect Seeds from Spring Pests
In addition to the abundance of sunshine, mild temperatures, and blossoming plants, spring also attracts a variety of bothersome and damaging insects. Failing to protect the garden from pests leads to skeletonized leaves, holes in the leaves, and tiny grubs around the roots of container plants.Β
Solution: Checking the garden often helps to detect pests early. Mild pesticides can be used to prevent the growth and spread of pests. Although, for organic farming, one can use organic methods such as using sticky traps, installing bird perches, handpicking, etc.Β Β
4. Spring Rainwater Drainage Mistakes
When planting seeds in spring, watering plants should be taken care of, as too much water or too little can hinder plant growth and lead them to rot. Roots that grow in waterlogged soil can die due to lack of oxygen, leading to a lack of supply of water and nutrients to plants. Adequate drainage during spring rain is essential to avoid waterlogging or overwatering.Β
Solution: Adding organic matter to soil, such as compost, can improve its texture and drainage. Also, building raised beds on plantings can make enough room for drainage or create diversion channels that route water flow away from the garden area. Gardeners can also install plastic pipes that could divert water flow away from the seedlings. Make sure these pipes are lightly or deeply buried in the soil.
5. Not Taking Springtime Weeds Into Account
The spring season leads to faster growth of weeds, leading to damage of plants in the long term, retarding growth, and reducing quality. That is because weeds are unwanted and can grow very fast, giving plants competition for nutrients and sunlight. Moreover, some weeds, like dandelions, crabgrass, and chickweed, can also attract pests, which could lead to further plant damage.
Solution: The weeds could be removed manually by pulling them out, but the best way to protect the garden from weeds is to apply herbicide. Pre-emergent herbicide can be sprayed on soil to keep weeds from emerging, and post-emergent herbicide is sprayed on existing weeds. Putting salt or borax on weeds can also kill them.
6. Spring Frost Menace Neglect
During the onset of the spring season (March, April, and May), the weather is expected to get warmer. But sometimes, frost can occur, which can cause the plants to freeze. We refer to this phenomenon as spring frost, which can inflict damage and rupture plant cell walls on tender plants and seedlings. Therefore, planting spring seeds too soon will damage the plant.
Solution: Stay updated with the weather forecast to avoid spring frost. Follow spring planting guides to know about past frost patterns to avoid planting tender crops at that time. If frost is approaching and air humidity is low, one can spray water on plants regularly to prevent damage. Covering the plants with fabric or plastic can also help prevent frost damage.Β
7. Ignoring the Lack of Nutrients in the Soil Following Winter Leaching
Healthy soil is vital for healthy plants. However, heavy rains or snowmelt in winter drain the soil of essential nutrients like nitrogen, potassium, and magnesium. Therefore, when spring seeds are sown, they could be deprived of these nutrients.Β
Solution: Prep the soil in winter for sowing seeds in spring. For this, add organic matter with compost and manure to the soil and cover it to prevent winter leaching. And during the onset of spring, fertilizer can be added to the soil.
ConclusionΒ
The new age of health awareness has led people to adopt old practices such as growing oneβs food organically. These enthusiasts can now benefit from the scientific and technical aspects of gardening and farming stated above. The suggested spring gardening tips will be even more helpful if you opt for the right seeds from the right sources. And whatβs better than buying seeds online from Seed Worldβfrom the comfort of your home? We are one of the best dealers in all types of seeds, including heirloom seeds, specialty organic vegetable seeds, and so much more. Visit our website to discover the perfect seeds for a thriving, bountiful garden.
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