Wait for frost-free weather to settle in before seeding peas, carrots

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Q. I’m keen to seed my two favourite vegetables, carrots and peas, in my new garden, but I’m not sure about the timing. I’ve read and heard many conflicting opinions. What do you recommend? I’ve recently moved to the coast.

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A. Unusual weather patterns in recent years have thrown long-held planting schedules into the realm of uncertainty. Last spring delivered a long period of cold temperatures while spring of the previous year brought an intense heat wave.

Because cool conditions favour good germination and that crucial initial growth in peas and carrots, I aim for the earliest seeding possible. Still, I wait until a period of temperate, frost-free weather to settle in before sowing the seeds.

A garden’s specific location, for example its proximity to the ocean or to a mountainous area, needs to be considered. Gardens close to mountains tend to have late frosts.

The type of soil will also help to determine when to plant. In heavy, wet, clay-based soils, seedings need to be delayed until the ground has drained of excess moisture.

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My soil is light, sandy, free-draining and ideal for early seedings. Around mid-February I begin monitoring weather patterns, looking for signs of conditions at least decent enough to take a chance on an extra-early seeding of the peas and carrots, hoping for resulting plantings that are developed enough to withstand an early heat wave.

In my experience, both peas and carrots have a better chance of germinating well in soil temperatures somewhat below the ideal than in temperatures well above that ideal. An inexpensive soil thermometer is helpful.

General recommendations indicate a minimum soil temperature of 4.4 C for both peas and carrots. In some gardening traditions, St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, is pea planting day. In my coastal garden, with my soil conditions, I always hope to seed both peas and carrots as early in March as possible.

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