Gardening season in bloom in southern Alberta

Green thumbs will be out in force, as the May long weekend marks the unofficial start of gardening season in southern Alberta.

LETHBRIDGE, ALTA. — Green thumbs will be out in force this week, as the May long weekend marks the unofficial start of gardening season in southern Alberta.

Green Haven Garden Centre has seen a rush of people coming in to pick up gardening supplies.

Customers are thrilled that they’re finally able to get their gardens started.

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“They’re starting to get the plants. Some people are planting out, knowing that if it does get cold, they’ll be prepared to protect them. But so far, the forecast looks really good. So away we go,” said Green Haven co-owner Gail Smith.

Most people will wait until the May long weekend to plant to avoid cooler late spring temperatures that southern Alberta often sees.

But recent good weather and a promising forecast have some getting an early jump on gardening.

“We are finding that, but we also are very cautious. Because so many years we’ve had long weekends where the weather can change. So people are cautious,” said Smith.

The warm weather now is great for gardeners but could pose a problem later this summer. Many are expecting this summer to be warmer and drier than average.

That could lead to water restrictions, forcing gardeners to be careful about how they use their water.

“Getting good mulch into your garden so that it holds the water into the soil,” said Kathleen Sheppard, executive director of Environment Lethbridge.

“And then just knowing about your watering techniques, not watering in the middle of the day when it’s really hot, not watering when it’s super windy, which is something we always have to be aware of.”

Some gardeners are getting ahead of potential restrictions and looking at drought-resistant options, such as yarrow, lavender and native plants that can flourish even in hot and dry conditions.

“If we’re planting out into the south or to the west, in the annuals, we’re going to be going for things like portulaca, your zinnias, things that can tolerate lots of heat. Sedums are also really, really good. They’re perennials that come back every year,” said Smith.