I hope you had a very Merry Christmas and will have a prosperous new year in 2010. I appreciate your many questions, comments, tips and ideas throughout the year.
Do I need to shovel off the snow from the roof of my house?
With some of the large buildings in the area caving in, it certainly would help to remove at least some of the snow off of the roof. The wet snow on the roof is very heavy, so it will be best to remove the snow before it is too late. Remember, we had no wind, so this makes the snow deeper yet. We just uncovered three-fourths of our house roof, which did hold a lot of snow. If you are planning on doing this, please be careful.
Explain how to prevent damping off of seedlings we have planted in the early spring.
Just as the seedlings are beginning to emerge through the potting soil, sprinkle a light covering of clean sand over the top of the container you are using. Once the seedlings get into a two- or three-leaf stage, then it’s time to replant them into a larger container. Once the seedlings are in at least the three-leaf stage, there is less chance damping off will occur on your seedlings.
When starting my plants from seeds, is it necessary to purchase grow lights for these seedlings to emerge?
No, just use the over light which you may have in your cabinet. Put a plastic cover or clear plastic paper over the seeds until they emerge. Then remove the cover/paper for air to your emerged seedlings. You may even set these seeds near your bay window. In starting the seeds, the seeds need 12 to 14 hours of light or sun light to begin to grow. Some seeds grow faster than others.
I just received my first seed catalog, and saw some things I would like to order. How soon do I need to order these to assure in getting these seeds?
These should be ordered now in order to get them in time to get a good start for the growing season. If you wait to order later, some companies will sometimes send a second or third choice, so you may not get the seeds you wished to receive. Mention in your order that you do not want any substitutes.
When planting seeds in the spring, what else can I use to have a more even planting of the seeds?
Putting the tiny seeds in an empty salt or pepper shaker works well to provide an even spreading of the seeds in the garden. With some of the small root crops like beets, carrots and radishes you will have better growth if you thin out some of the emerging roots.
Will I need to feed the pheasants with all of the snow we have had recently?
The local pheasant crop may appreciate you if you sprinkle some shelled corn out for them. This will also attract other birds and small animals to help them get through the harsh winter.
Hank Wessels is a Master Gardener in Watonwan County. He welcomes questions and comments from readers. He may be reached at 601 1st St. SW, Madelia, MN 56062, hwdw@madtelco.net or (507) 642-8479.
