April arrived early in our area and all over Minnesota this year. In fact, I have been in Arizona where it has been cooler some days in March than in Minnesota. How does one give proper gardening tips for the month of April when we have been experiencing unusually warm weather? The best advice is “beware and take care.” The weather pattern may revert to normal temperatures including snow with gardeners caught on the rebound if they’ve started usual practices too early.
It is critical to point out that the low Minnesota temperature is only one of a number of factors that come to play on a plant’s winter hardiness. Other factors include snow cover, temperature patterns favoring the development of dormancy, moisture conditions, and microclimate effects, to name just a few. We had very little snow this past winter and what we had melted off early due to warm temperatures. Snow functions as an insulator protecting the root system of plants. Nine inches of snow can lead to a 42 degree F. differential between a -14 F. temperature and a 28 F. temperature soil surface temperature. Reliable snow cover increases the temperature that the plant experiences. Many gardeners will note losing plants they’ve had for years and others that will survive after this unusual winter.
For many gardeners the garden season starts with the arrival of seed catalogs and store displays. Minnesota conditions can challenge the best-of-the-best nationally rated varieties, not to mention those vegetables and flowers that are just the best photographed. Finding a stunning specimen or exceptional deal on a plant will tempt us this season because of our warm weather. However, when trying to get the best value from your plants, don’t forget that finding the right plant for its growing conditions can create much value through benefits such as improved growth, insect and disease resistance, and fewer maintenance needs.
Choosing varieties to grow for the coming gardening season is a common task for many of us in January. Don’t despair, thinking our warm temperatures will remain and your choices may not work. Keep in mind that formulating overall landscaping plans to meet site conditions and functional goals must be done ahead and sticking to zone 3-4 plants are the best recommendations. The University of Minnesota gardening information site continues to be our source for accurate information. Some topics covered there are the University of Minnesota annual flower trials, starting seeds indoors, suggested vegetable varieties for home gardens, the best plants for 30 tough sites, fruits for Minnesota and other topics.
The Beltrami County Master Gardeners are expecting a busy season answering your garden questions this season as the weather will impact plants never questioned in the past. They will soon be available to answer your questions on the Beltrami County Voice Mail, 218-444-7916. Watch for an announcement with specific information.
