By Margaret A. Swenson 

Last updated 6/16/2022 at 12:07pm

My green babies are ready to go outside. The soil temperature is nearly 55 degrees and there is no snow on Mt. Spokane. My new irrigation system with drip lines is set up; importantly, I have a new tube of sunscreen.

I’ll get a new hat and gloves next week.

Since my dear little green ones have never tasted outside air or natural sunshine, I will have to ease them into the real world.

After bringing them all back inside the first night, I rigged up vinyl tablecloths to cover them. I didn’t sleep all night, worrying they would be too cold. But in the morning, when I removed their covers, they were as happy as could be.

After several days they stood tall and sassy. They were ready for the garden. I planted all day Saturday. Some looked a little nervous, so I gave them a misty shower.

Several days later, I could tell they were happy in their new homes, so I went into my house to clean mine.

I dragged my kitchen table back to the kitchen and sat at the table to eat my meals.

When I checked on my plants a few days later, I couldn’t believe how they had grown. And the weeds, where in the world did they come from?

I’ll not let them take nutrients from my kids. And who invited the squirrels? I thought they were supposed to stay in the trees.

I’m okay to share the strawberries with the birds, but the slugs will have to go.

I have a special pair of gloves and a carton with a cover, so I made a solution of a bit of salt and water and plopped in the slimy critters. It was pretty nasty. I was sorry for the slugs, but it was either the slugs or damaged tomatoes. If I can’t control the slugs with this Integrated Pest Management practice, I will apply Diatomaceous Earth, a compound made of crushed crustaceans, to the soil. Flea beetles don’t like the “D.E.” either.

My little plants are so smart. They know how to grow all by themselves and appreciate the warm sun and regular drinks of water. I give them a treat every five days or so and they grow greener and healthier daily.

I want my plants to fruit and not just show off beautiful lush green foliage, so I will hold back the fertilizer after they flower.

I can hardly believe how many friends they have. Now that many of them are flowering, bees, butterflies, ladybugs and lacewings visit them. I still monitor the bad guys, but I guess there had to be some of them for the good guys to eat.

If you have questions about any of these uninvited pests, you can send their pictures to the Master Gardeners for identification. Even so, It is delightful to be in the garden with all of them.

Plans for my greenhouse are beginning to materialize. I am collecting jars for later this fall. I am totally hooked on gardening.

For questions regarding greenhouse design, fertilization schedules, food preserving and horticulture classes or how to become a master gardener, email the WSU Spokane County Master Gardeners at spokane-county.wsu.edu/spokane/ or call 509-477-2181 for more information.

Master Gardeners are also available at the Cheney Library on the 1st & 3rd Fridays of the month from April to October.

1616 W. First St. Cheney, WA 99004 Ph: (509) 235-6184 info@cheneyfreepress.com

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