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| May
is the month of temptation for many gardeners. Whether you’re a
new gardener or a seasoned grower, May is the month when it seems that
nearly every retail center has some type of plant for sale. It’s
virtually impossible to pass from the car to the front door of any store
without stopping to view (and usually purchase) at least one bedding
plant. The retailers are smart. In March they begin setting up their seasonal gardening centers. By early April, temporary tents and Quonset huts have been set up and filled with all things growing. And by the time May has arrived, excitement has built to its zenith. After long and sometimes dreary winters, the air has finally warmed, the sun has returned, and anything green and growing in a pot looks pretty good! It is not uncommon to drive to the supermarket for a dozen eggs and return home with those eggs and three or four flats of petunias, several dozen marigolds, and three or four young bushes for the landscape. Purchasing gloriously colored blooming plants and greenery is fine, but don’t forget to do so with a bit of caution. The temptation of all that beauty can be overwhelming. Bringing it home and trying to find a place for all of Mother Nature’s lovely gifts can be frustrating. Now is a good time to take stock of what is really needed in your home garden. An inventory of what already exists and an estimation of what is needed to enhance an existing landscape can save hours of frustration later in the growing season. Nearly every gardener (this one included) has over-purchased and then wondered where to plant everything. One good rule of thumb (green thumb, that is) to remember is that these tiny plants will most certainly increase in size. With good care, which includes plenty of light, water, encouragement, and a healthy dose of luck, many plants will flourish. It is sometimes difficult to imagine that a tiny nursery plant will require 12 to 18 inches to grow. When considering planting space, follow the directions on the pot or on the pot’s tag. Plants really do need space to grow properly, and they’ll thank you for your thoughtfulness later in the growing season when they realize their full potential. If you’re feeling squeamish about setting out tiny plants 12 to 18 inches apart and worry that it looks bare, be patient. These plants will fill in the spaces between them. Overcrowded plants are often not healthy and are prone to disease and failure. If you feel your garden looks too bare after planting, incorporate a few non-growing elements into the garden. Statuary, rocks, and other elements can add instant beauty and be removed when space is at a premium later in the summer or fall. Mulch is another good choice for adding beauty while young plants are small and seem spindly. In fact, mulch is one of the best additions to any garden because of its ability to keep plant roots cool and to conserve soil moisture. Though not considered a true “sin,” purchasing too many plants can change the good feeling that can be derived from planting and caring for a garden. Don’t let yourself become a slave to your garden. Instead, measure your garden space or spaces and count your flower pots. Spend some time planning what should be planted in growing areas. Deciding now on a color palette or theme that will be in the garden this year will help eliminate buying everything in sight. Of course, now is also a good time to remember what has grown well in all areas and environments. When purchasing flowers or vegetables, it is helpful to consider how much light is required for success. Plant tags or pots indicate how much sunlight is required for proper blooming or veggie production. Planting marigolds or tomatoes in deep shade results in disaster. Pansies will not appreciate being offered a home next to a hot sidewalk with at least 12 hours of sunlight every day. Just like people, plants have special needs and requirements, and honoring these needs will allow plants to flourish. After all, happy plants make happy gardeners. After a bit of study (and soul searching), make a list of what to purchase and attempt to stick to that list. Of course, this is a task that is easier said than done. Any gardener will admit that it’s nearly impossible to walk by or drive past a garden center without purchasing something. After all, it is the nature of all gardeners to look for beauty, to care for growing things, and to have pride in our accomplishments. And gardeners are optimists. We seem to feel in our hearts that we can persuade tiny seedlings to become glorious blooming plants that will become a source of pride. The need and desire to nurture is basic to all gardeners. And maybe that’s where the temptation to overbuy and over-plant begins. If using a purchase list does not work for you (and don’t be surprised if this fails), you might have more success adhering to a budget. Giving yourself a plant allowance can make a gardener more cautious about purchases. Garden centers and other retailers produce weekly ads during the planting season, which can be invaluable to any gardener. Comparing prices and the number of bedding plants per container can result in significant savings as well as smart purchases. Now is the time to treat yourself to some beauty. Whether you are hoping to fill only a few pots on the patio or are ready to plant an acre of vegetables and flowers, good planning will eliminate the temptation of having too much of a good thing. Planning for the garden, thus avoiding the temptation of bringing home too many plants, makes gardening so much easier. Buy and plant only what your garden situation, landscape, or environment can sustain. You’ll be glad you did—and so will your plants. |
Temptation |
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