The Ice Saints, a period traditionally associated with the last frosts of May, represent a crucial challenge for gardeners. This delicate phase, marked by unpredictable temperatures, can ruin months of preparation in just a few nights. To avoid costly mistakes, it is essential to understand the pitfalls to anticipate and the best practices to adopt.
Calendar Mistakes: Planting Too Early
Don’t wait for the Ice Saints to pass by
One of the most common mistakes is that planting summer vegetables (tomatoes, courgettes, peppers) or annual flowers (calendula, marigolds) before the end of the frost period. Even a light frost can blacken the leaves or damage the roots of young plants.
Examples of plants at risk :
- Sowing in open ground (carrots, beans, fennel): they require very warm soil to germinate.
- Light bulbs (tulips, hyacinths): digging too early exposes new shoots to frost.
Solution : use a soil thermometer check the temperature (ideally 10°C minimum) before sowing.
Sow in open ground too hastily
Gardeners in a hurry often make the mistake of early sowing. Seeds of root vegetables (turnips, radishes) or grains (corn) need warmed soil to germinate properly.
Practical advice :
- Prefer potted plants for frost-sensitive plants (aubergines, melons).
- Wait for the return of the mild nights (stable temperatures above 8°C) for direct sowing.
Protection of fragile plants
Forgetting mulch and protection
Faced with summer drought, the mulching it is an effective weapon for conserving soil moisture. However, some gardeners neglect this step, exposing their plants to water stress.
Protection methods :
- Organic mulch (straw, bark): they reduce evaporation and regulate soil temperature.
- Tunnel and agrotextile : they protect young shoots from cold winds and night frosts.
Common mistake : Apply mulch too early, before the soil is sufficiently warmed.
Neglecting post-freeze care
After the Ice Saints, plants require specific care to recover from possible damage.
Actions to prioritize :
- Pruning spring flowering shrubs : remove damaged branches to encourage healthy regrowth.
- Remove suckers from rose bushes : prevent the spread of diseases.
Irrigation and mulching: delicate balance
Over or under watering
THE’irrigation It’s a big deal these days. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while prolonged drought weakens plants.
Golden rules :
- Water in the evening to avoid daytime evaporation.
- Check the soil moisture digging a 10 cm hole: if the soil is dry to the touch, water abundantly.
Trick : Combine irrigation and mulching to optimize water retention.
Ignoring the importance of mulching
Mulching is often underestimated, even though it plays a fundamental role thermal regulation and the weed control.
Common mistake : Apply too thick a layer, blocking the oxygenation of the soil.
Inadequate plant choices
Choose species that are not suited to the local climate
Select the plants unsuitable for the soil or climate It’s a recurring mistake. For example, planting citrus fruits in a cold region or cactus in moist soil.
Selection criteria :
- Check the labels : favor frost-resistant varieties (e.g. heirloom cherry tomatoes).
- Check with local garden centers : they offer plants suitable for the regional microclimate.
Neglecting soil preparation
Poorly prepared soil (too compact, lacking in nutrients) prevents plants from developing properly.
Key steps :
- Grass : eliminate weeds before sowing.
- Modify : Add compost or manure to enrich the soil.
Job to avoid before the Ice Saints
Digging up bulbs too early
Bulbs (tulips, hyacinths) must remain in the ground until the end of flowering. Digging them up prematurely weakens them for the following year.
Consequence : Reduction in the number of flowers or death of the bulbs.
Pruning spring flowering shrubs
I like shrubs lilac or the viburnum they must be pruned after flowering. Early pruning removes flower buds.
The Ice Saints require a greater vigilance to protect the plantations. By avoiding timing errors, protecting young shoots, regulating watering and choosing suitable plants, gardeners can get through this delicate period without losses. Patience and careful knowledge of each species’ specific needs are the keys to a thriving garden.
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