May Long Weekend Is Typically A Good Weekend For Planting


Much like area farmers, local gardeners are hoping the forecasted rain doesn't materialize this weekend.  Both sets of growers eager to get their seeds and plants into the ground.

The Victoria Day weekend is typically the kick-off to the gardening season.  Erna Wiebe, Co-owner at Oakridge Nurseries, explains why.

"Most people trust that to be the time when the frost will be completely over.  They won't have to worry about covering or waiting.  It's still a good idea to harden off your plants for a few days when you bring them home from the greenhouse - set them next to the house and get them a little toughened up.  But, I think it's safe to start putting them in."

Dorinda Penner is Co-owner at Sunshine Nurseries.  She says to also make sure the soil is dry enough.

"Make sure the soil is worked up and dry down six inches.  If you're in a low-lying area and it's still wet, I'd be a little concerned.  Low-lying areas within southeastern Manitoba generally tend to, if there is frost in the forecast, experience it.  Areas with lots of tree coverage, higher grounds, you're not going to experience that as much.  Just make sure your soil area is well drained and dry."

If you're looking to plant trees or shrubs this year, Wiebe provides a few popular suggestions.

"There is a lilac called the 'Bloomerang Lilac' and, that one is a re-bloomer.  It goes once in June, like traditional lilacs, and then it re-blooms in August.  There's another new Hydrangea, they keep coming out of the woodwork.  And then we have a burgundy-leafed Norway Maple that is now hardy enough to plant in Manitoba."

If it's flowers you're into, Penner says there are a lot of great, new choices.

"There is a black Petunia called 'Black Velvet' which is actually and extremely dark purple.  It's fabulous.  It's not a trailing but it's a great mounding, it's got a nice habit, very unique color.  There's also a little Calibrachoa, a trailing flower called 'Blackberry Punch' - that's quite unique.  And of course the tropicals.  Putting a seven foot palm tree on your patio just makes you feel like you're in the tropics."

According to Penner, there is also a trend towards home-grown vegetables.

"I'm going to say that I thnk with a bit of recession scare, people thought 'maybe I should try a tomato plant', and once they do, and realize it's really not that much work....If you don't have your grandmother's 1500sq foot garden, it can be quite enjoyable."

Both Penner and Wiebe encourage local gardeners, and new gardeners, to come in and see them if they have questions or need a little extra planting advice.  

And if the weather turns bad for this weekend, there's always next weekend when it comes to planting.