Mary, Mary quite contrary, how does your garden grow? According to Dave Hanson, your plants will be more likely to survive if you wait to sow.

The owner of Sage Garden Greenhouses recommended waiting to begin planting until after the May long weekend.

"In southern Manitoba, really the golden rule is the first week of June, which feels horrible to have to tell people," says Hanson.

By planting prematurely, roots are at risk of rotting when they are suddenly transferred from a greenhouse climate to outdoor soil.

Hanson revealed a few ways to get around this horticultural dilemma.

"You can start to have your planters outdoors if you're making raised beds, and in those types of situations the soil will actually warm up quite a bit more."

Potatoes, lettuces, beets and radishes are all examples of what gardeners could start to plant before June.

Hanson also offered some tips for gardeners, to help their garden flourish. "One of the first things you can do, for any level of gardening experience, is to think about the roots of your plants. If you can get the roots well established, the tops of the plants really tend to take care of themselves."

Ensure strong and healthy roots by watering a hole prior to planting, and by breaking the roots system (there should be an audible cracking sound), to guarantee that the roots will spread out and develop into a sturdy foundation.

And make sure, of course, that seeds are sewn in "good soil", and not among the thorns, rocks, or on paths (Matt. 13:1-8).

Hanson, meanwhile, is rooting for a great gardening season.

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