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Few aspects in life are as satisfying as planting a tiny seed and watching it grow into a healthy plant. It's even better when that plant produces delicious and nutritious veggies for your family. Enjoying a summer salad with produce from your own backyard makes all the work on garden maintenance worthwhile. If you have never grown a garden before, though, knowing when to plant seeds is one of the trickiest parts of the process. The following guide will help you get started and put you on track for a successful harvest. 

Starting Seeds Indoors

The Flathead Valleys growing season usually extends from the end of May to the beginning of September, about 100 days. For that reason, certain crops that take longer to grow should be started indoors at the end of March, then transplanted outside after the danger of frost has passed. These plants include tomatoes, peppers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and eggplants. Leafy greens, like chard, kale, collards, spinach, and lettuce, can also be started indoors. 

Hardening Off Seedlings 

garden maintenance

Starting seedlings indoors doesn't require much garden maintenance beyond ensuring the plants get plenty of water and light. As the days get warmer, though, you should harden off the plants to prevent shock and damage when they are transplanted outdoors. 

To harden off the seedlings, about two weeks before transplanting them, bring them outside for progressively longer periods each day. On day one, bring the plants out for one hour in a shaded area. Add an hour to each day, moving the plants into the sun after three or four days, giving them a chance to adjust to the outdoor environment. Only bring the plants out if the temperature is above 45 degrees, and it's not too windy. 

Starting Vegetables Outdoors 

Some vegetables cannot handle being transplanted and should be planted directly into the soil. Once the snow has melted and you can work the soil, start garden maintenance tasks to prepare the beds for planting as soon as it's warm enough.

While some crops, like beans, peas, cucumbers, and corn should not be planted until after all danger of frost has passed, usually in early June, other crops are suitable for colder weather and should be planted as soon as the soil can be worked. Carrots, radishes, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and beets can thrive in colder weather and can go in the ground as early as late April.

 

Get help with all of your landscaping and garden maintenance tasks from the experts of B's Montana Gardens. For almost two decades, homeowners throughout the Flathead Valley have relied on this experienced team to keep their yards looking great with professional design and maintenance. Learn more about services on their website or call (406) 250-4950 to request an estimate.

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