As early as February, Calgary gardeners have been teased by periods of warm weather that make them eager to start planting. However, these warm spells were often followed by snowy conditions. Now that May is here, the outdoor growing season is imminent, but caution is still advised.
Assess Your Garden
One of the first tasks is to take stock of what is happening in your garden. Check if plants are emerging, if the soil is moist, and if anything is blooming. If your garden lacks early spring colour, consider adding early flowering shrubs and spring flowering bulbs to your wish list. Shrubs can be planted now, but bulbs must wait until fall.
Mulch and Compost
If you see bare soil, apply mulch to retain moisture, control weeds, and improve the garden's appearance. Applying compost before mulch in spring feeds and protects the soil.
Rain Barrels
Spring brings plenty of rain, so connect rain barrels to downspouts. Rainwater is excellent for plants as it absorbs nitrogen from the air, making plants greener. Calgary offers a rebate program in partnership with Green Calgary: residents can receive up to $50 per rain barrel, up to three per household. Details are available on the City of Calgary or Green Calgary websites, or by calling 311.
Delaying Cleanup
Don't rush to clean up leaves and debris. They provide shelter for insects and small animals during cold snaps. If cleanup is necessary, do it in stages to preserve habitat.
Digging and Weeding
Early May is ideal for hand digging due to freeze-thaw cycles and moist soil. Use an edging tool to tidy garden beds. Weeds emerge early; pull them promptly to prevent extensive root systems or seeding. Even quack grass can be managed by pulling long rhizomes in soft soil.
Planting Cool-Season Crops
Sow seeds of cool-season vegetables like lettuce, spinach, carrots, beets, radishes, broccoli, and kale. Cool-season flowers include sweet peas, pansies, violas, snapdragons, calendula, and dianthus. Seedlings grown indoors may need protection from temperature drops; cover them with floating row cover, frost cloth, or an old sheet.
