Now is the time.

We finally are getting the warm temperatures needed to fill our planters and window boxes with the flowering plants that were picked out for that purpose. The high winds this week helped dry out the soil in some of the wet areas, but it was not allowing a good environment for tender transplants. If not already done, now is the time to plant your garden seeds and transplants. For best results, compost will feed the soil which in turn feeds your plants. Dry fertilizer feeds the plants but will harm them if the concentration is too high or too close to the root zone. Do not apply commercial fertilizer in the row with your seeds, but at least a couple inches away. When transplanting, make the hole and water the hole before setting the transplant. This will provide adhesion between the root ball and the surrounding soil so the roots do not have to break through a new barrier. Good luck gardening! May you enjoy the fruits of your labors without the pain of sunburn or the welts of mosquito bites! (Remember, this IS Wisconsin!)