GARDENING IN THE BLACK HILLS

Growing Tips

Growing Zones

The Rapid City area falls into the growing zones of 5a and 5b, which indicates a medium-length growing period, with the final frost falling around May 15 and the first frost falling around October 15. Many fruits and vegetables can be harvested during this time, however, the most successful garden vegetables in this region include beans, peppers, tomatoes, corn, watermelon, and carrots, along with most herbs, which can also be grown indoors. All seeds in the seed library collection will grow well in our gardening zones, though some will be more difficult than others.

Companion Planting

“Companion planting” is the strategic placement of plants near one another to encourage growth by deterring pests and reducing certain weeds such as:

• Planting basil or parsley near tomatoes can deter pests.
• Dill attracts ladybugs, which eat aphids.
• Mint also deters pests.
• Sage can repel carrot flies and cabbage moths, protecting carrots and cabbage, respectively.
• Sunflowers go well with cucumbers and pole beans, as they can provide shade, but also, interestingly, can be used as poles to grow beans, once the sunflowers are over 5 feet tall.
• The Old Farmer's Almanac offers suggestions and a chart of companion plants

Groupings to Avoid

Alternatively, some plants should not be planted next to each other.

• Sunflowers release “allelopathin,” which is a chemical that can inhibit growth of nightshade vegetables, which includes tomatoes, eggplant, potatoes, and peppers. Be sure to have enough space between sunflowers and these plants.
• Onions can inhibit the growth of asparagus and beans.
• Planting broccoli or cabbage near tomatoes and peppers can stunt growth.
• Potatoes and tomatoes are susceptible to the same diseases, and should be planted apart to minimize risk of infection.
• Corn and tomatoes will pull too many nutrients from the soil if planted together, leading to diminished plant health.
• Learn More

Research and plan, or just start planting and see what happens! Take note of what works and what doesn’t and grow your skills.

Seed Care

Water

• Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy. Don’t allow soil to dry out, as this can prevent germination or kill young seedlings.
• Gently mist soil surface to avoid dislodging seeds. Plants can also be bottom watered by placing a shallow tray of water underneath. Allow to soak for 20 to 30 minutes or until the top of the soil feels moist.
• Don’t leave pots in standing water for an extended time, as it may cause root suffocation or fungal disease.
• Use water at room temperature to avoid plant shock.

Provide Light

• Once seedlings emerge, remove pots or flats from bottom heat and take off plastic covering.
• Place under grow lights, leaving lights on for 12 to 18 hours per day.
• As a general rule, LED lights should be kept about 12 inches from the tops of the seedlings, and fluorescent lights about 3 to 4 inches above the plant tops. Raise the lights as the plants grow. Yellow or brown leaves can indicate lights are too close; stretched or leggy seedlings can mean your lights are too far away.

Ventilate

• Provide adequate air circulation to prevent damping off disease, a fungal disease that will quickly kill seedlings.

Be Patient

• Seeds take time to grow!
• Seeds usually germinate within
  2 to 6 weeks at 75 - 85 ̊F. Some seeds sprout within 1 to 3 weeks, while others take much longer.

Fertilize

• Wait to fertilize until seedlings develop their first set of true leaves, which follow the first leaves to unfurl, known as cotyledons.
• Apply a water-soluble fertilizer such as fish emulsion or seaweed at half strength every two weeks.

Thin Seedlings

• Remove excess seedlings, leaving one plant per cell or pot.
• Some plants such as tomatoes can be successfully separated and replanted, while others such as poppies should not have their roots disturbed.
• Clip extra seedlings at the base with scissors to prevent root damage.

Transplant Seedlings

• Seedlings grown in seed starting mix should be transferred into standard potting soil once they begin to develop into larger plants.
• Varieties such as tomatoes and peppers will need to be transplanted into bigger containers and allowed to grow larger before being planted outdoors.

Harden Off Plants

• Place in a shady, sheltered spot, gradually increasing the amount of time outside each day slowly moving them into direct sunlight.
• Cover and bring indoors at night until temperatures remain above 50°

Plant Permanently

• Once seedlings have been hardened off, they can be planted into their permanent spot.
• Water seedlings before and after transplanting.
• Avoid planting during the hottest part of the day.