SASKATOON – Spring has definitely sprung in Saskatchewan as we hit record-breaking temperatures two days in a row.
“This is probably the warmest, earliest spring we’ve ever had, absolutely,” said Rick Van Duyvendyk, owner of Dutch Growers Garden Centre.
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Our sizzling spring heat can also create a few challenges for local greenhouses, they’re having to use more water than usual and shade the greenhouse bays much earlier than usual.
“We put more shading on the roof so we’re starting to do that normally two to three weeks earlier that we normally do to keep things cooler in the greenhouses,” said Van Duyvendyk.
“Everything is at least three weeks ahead of time.”
Still the staff are rolling with the punches and say being too busy this time of year, is a good problem to have.
“With everything happening so quickly and the rush is on already, we’re going to run out of plants,” Van Duyvendyk laughed.
This year, green thumbs in Saskatchewan won’t need to resist the urge and wait to plant.
“My grandfather always said the long weekend in May, that’s when you do it especially for potatoes,” said Ken Weber.
Others remained reluctant about planting prior to their annual date of May 24. Sabrina Elliott waits until June 1, if she can hold off that long.
“I’m just going to go home, enjoy what I’ve got and wait it out.”
According to Van Duyvendyk by getting a head start, you’ll be able to reap the rewards of your garden sooner.
“Plant your potatoes, your peas, carrots, corn, all the ground crops, seed crops in the ground. The ground is warm enough you definitely can plant.”
Annuals, shrubs and trees should also be fine to plant but you’ll want to be careful with tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers.
“Just like putting them out with the risk of frost, you also have to worry about putting them out from the lush environment like the greenhouse and putting them out in 31 degree weather in the hot sun,” added Van Duyvendyk.
“Make sure you acclimatize them, put them outside during the day, bring them in at night, put them in a little bit of a shadier spot so that they can adjust from being in lush greenhouse to being outside.”
For those who like gardening this is paradise on the Prairies. Experts say just make sure to watch the weather forecast and water your plants, flowers and garden accordingly.
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