MANHATTAN – Tired of the winter that won’t go away? Grab a soil thermometer and head for your garden later in the morning. And if the soil temperature is 40 degrees or better and the soil’s dry, grab your packets of seeds, said Ward Upham, Kansas State Extension horticulturist. He said you can start with peas, which are good a cool-season crop – all varieties including regular peas, sugar peas and Chinese snap-style peas. Peas should be planted shallow, about a half-inch deep with seeds in the row should be spaced about two inches apart. Many gardeners plant two rows, six-to-eight inches apart, so the floppy plants can support one another, he said. For some older varieties, this may not be enough and trellising may be needed to support the growing vines. Don’t forget the fencing to keep rabbits from snacking on peas and vines, he said. Upham said you should also get ready with the seeds for lettuce, parsnips and spinach, which also grow well at cool temperatures. For example, lettuce, parsnips and spinach can sprout at a soil temperature of 35 degrees. However, Upham said they prefer a soil temperature of at least 45 degrees for best germination and growth.
Tuesday, March 8, 9 a.m.
