Published: May 02, 2008 10:09 am            

Ace of Spades: Rhubarb can be replanted throughout growing season

Originally published in the May 2, 2008, print edition.

It appears the cornfields will be planted later than usual this year. The same goes for gardens this season, as the ground temperature continues to be on the cool side. Patience is the word here, in waiting to get your crops planted.

Can I replant my rhubarb plants this spring?

Yes, as soon as there is some growth, these plants can be replanted in a sunny area, if at all possible. Rhubarb can be transplanted all season long. Dig the hole larger than the root is, but plant the rhubarb the same depth as was planted before. Add some rotted manure around the base of the plant, and make sure the plant is watered. Also, do not use any of the rhubarb stalks for at least two years.

I have some leftover seed packets from several years back. Will they still grow?

The older the seeds the less healthy any plants will be. Germination will also be slower, as the seeds get older. Fresher seeds will be healthier and produce better for you. Hopefully by now you have the plants ordered, if you were going to order any from catalogs.

When should I be hanging the milk jug in my fruit trees for tunnel-free apples?

Do it when the flowering is done. This has been successful in the past for gardeners. Here is the recipe: In a one-gallon milk jug, fill the jug half full with a 50/50 water-vinegar mix, plus one cup of sugar and one banana peel. If you’re using a half-gallon jug, use 1/2 cup of sugar. Cut a hole the size of a quarter for the insects to enter the jug. Hang the jug in the tree. Once you have a lot insects in the jug, empty the jug and start over again. This idea also works once the raspberries begin to produce their crop.

I want to plant some trees in our yard. Who should I contact?

Anyone planning digging or excavation in Minnesota must call the Gopher State One Call, (800) 252-1166, before starting to dig. Representatives of utilities will come to your home to flag the location of underground utilities.

        

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