Time to seed- HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

We're finally getting a litle moisture. Ever so necessary in these parts. We turned some ground a week ago and up came nothing but dry earth and dust!

We normally plant our Pumpkin seeds on Mother's Day. So the time is here!
Happy Mother's Day.

Even after planting, in North Dakota a late frost can come the first week of June so we must watch and pay attention nightly. We may have to cover young plants to protect them. Soil temperatures are +/- 68 degrees - enough for germination in 7-10 days depending on seed.

If you're starting plants inside (excellent idea) pay most attention to soil borne diseases like pythium (damping off). If you notice as many os one plant looking droopy - any "brown / grey" color on new green stems, get out the fungicide. If you don't like chemicals, be sure to cover newly seeded pots or trays with a sphagum moss (available at most nurserys or hardware stores). This is the best natural predator to pythium. (As long as you have good ventilation and stable temperatures (67-68 degrees) I think you won't have this problem.

In a couple weeks, we'll chat more about "hardening off" young seedlings and getting ready for the "move outside." (call if you have questions: 701-222-1521, even if you have to leave a message. I'll return the call.

PaPa.