Compacted soil impedes plant growth

Q. I want to get outside and start gardening. However, my neighbor says the soil is too wet and I should wait. Why should I wait, and how can I tell when the soil is ready?

A. You may want to hold off on tromping around outside. In this part of the state, we often experience heavy springtime rains that soak into the ground. Now that the weather is warming, it is hard not to scratch the itch to get out into the garden and start planting. However, you should resist the urge while the soil is still wet.

Most gardeners will find that many of their garden areas are still soggy from snowmelt and rain, making the soil too wet to work.

If wet soil is "worked" (plowed, tilled, spaded), it can become badly compacted, and the negative effects can last for many years. The result will be that soil particles will compact tightly, leaving less room for water and air to penetrate. In turn a situation occurs that makes it more difficult for plant roots to absorb water, nutrients and air. Compressed soil forms clumps, which become very hard once they dry out and which are hard to break up. This creates an environment that leads to slower drainage. Once compacted, it will take a long time to rebuild a healthy soil structure. Consequently, it will require annual applications of organic matter such as composted plant and animal wastes to return the soil to a state that will cultivate easily and promote good root growth.

The best thing you can do for your garden is to prevent compaction in the first place. To test your soil for planting readiness, first dig a trowel full of soil. Squeeze the soil tightly in your hand, then poke the clump of soil with your finger. If the clump falls apart, the soil is workable. If it stays together, the soil is too wet. Wait a day or two and repeat the process. When your soil crumbles, this is the time to start your spring gardening activities. Your garden will thank you for resisting the urge to plow ahead.

- Mary Moisand

Q. I have received a few packets of milkweed seed from Monarch enthusiasts. I noticed they have different names. Are there different kinds of milkweed? How do I plant to ensure the best growth?

A. It is so elating to know you and others are aware and interested in protecting Monarchs.

The monarch butterfly population has declined by 90 percent in the last 20 years in North America. Studies have shown some of the causes to be: deforestation, the destruction of grassland ecosystems, climate change, urbanization, commercial agricultural practices and conventional gardening. The loss of habitat and food source and insecticide and herbicide use appear to be the most critical causes. However these can and are being acknowledged and acted on as people are becoming aware and are planting native plants, milkweed and promoting and using less harmful pesticides.

Yes, there are more than 100 species of milkweed that are native to North America. Many of them are used by the monarchs during their migration.

Milkweed plants are the only source of food for the monarch larva to survive. The monarch lay their egg usually on the underside of a milkweed leaf, where the egg hatches and the tiny larva eats and grows rapidly, increasing their weight almost 3,000 times in 10 to 15 days. Several plants may be needed for one caterpillar.

It is important to plant milkweeds that are native to your area, as they require less maintenance and offer greater benefit to local wildlife. Illinois, which is in the Northeast region, supports the following:

• Common milkweed, Asclepias syriaca

• Swamp milkweed, Asclepias incarnata

• Butterfly milkweed, Asclepias tuberosa

• Poke milkweed, Asclepias exalta

In nature, milkweed reseeds itself. To re-enact nature, it is suggested to scatter the seeds in late fall or winter on a somewhat weed-free sunny area. If you want to plant in spring, the seeds must be placed in moist-cold conditions for a month or so, called stratification.

Scarification or breaking down or scratching the seed coat can be done by placing seeds in a container of course sand and shaking for about 30 seconds.

The seeds can then be planted one-quarter inch deep in average to wet soil conditions in full sun. It may take a year or two for milkweed to mature, but it should bloom by the second year.

The real joy comes when you see monarchs in your yard. You may even find an egg or caterpillar, which is so exciting and you know you did your part to help the monarch survive.

- Ellen Manint and Helen Mazzocco

• Provided by Master Gardeners through the Master Gardener Answer Desk, Friendship Park Conservatory, Des Plaines. Call (847) 298-3502 or email northcookmg@gmail.com.