NDSU Gardener Shares 10 Lessons Learned

By Scout Nelson

Gardening in North Dakota can bring many surprises, from short growing seasons and cool temperatures to unexpected success with grapes and tomatoes. Four years of gardening can teach valuable lessons about choosing crops, timing planting, managing garden problems, and enjoying the growing season.

Emily How, Horticulture agent at NDSU Extension, Ward County, shared 10 lessons from gardening in North Dakota and the experiences that can help other gardeners make the most of the state's growing season.

One important lesson is to learn to enjoy cool weather crops. North Dakota has a short growing season, so gardeners need to make good use of both early spring and late fall. Crops such as radishes, broccoli, and spinach can handle cool temperatures early in the season. Carrots, kale, and buttercup squash can perform well later in the season. Some crops can even become sweeter after a light frost.

Another lesson is to enjoy August. In warmer states, August can be difficult for gardens because high temperatures can damage plants. North Dakota offers a different experience. August can be one of the best times to harvest vegetables and other garden produce. Gardeners can spend the month enjoying the results of their work.

Patience is also important in spring. It can be tempting to plant as soon as the weather becomes warm. However, North Dakota temperatures can change quickly. Planting too early can damage sensitive plants. Sometimes early planting works, but other times gardeners may lose plants and need to start again.

Wildlife can also create challenges. Hungry deer may eat many types of garden plants, even when gardeners try to protect them. Fences and plants that are often used to discourage deer do not always stop a determined animal. Gardeners need to consider wildlife when planning and protecting their gardens.

North Dakota can also support growing grapes. Several grape varieties can produce fruit in the state. Valiant and Blanc grape varieties can provide small fruit with a strong flavor. Grapes can also be used to make juice and jelly, giving gardeners another reason to try fruit crops that may not seem possible at first.

Tomatoes can become a favorite part of the garden as well. The North Dakota State University Variety Trials offer gardeners an opportunity to learn about different plant varieties. Sungold cherry tomatoes are one example that can stand out for their bright orange color and sweet flavor. Trying variety of trial recommendations can help gardeners discover new favorites.

Dill provides another useful lesson. Although a dill is a helpful herb, it can spread quickly. The plant produces many seeds, and wind can carry those seeds to other parts of a garden. Gardeners who do not want dill to spread should think carefully about where they plant it. As one piece of gardening advice says, “do not plant dill in your garden.”

Gardeners should also make room for plants they enjoy. Growing space is limited during a short North Dakota summer, so every spot in the garden can be valuable. If a gardener does not enjoy a certain crop, that space can be used to try something new. Trying unfamiliar plants, such as sweet potatoes, can make gardening more interesting.

Gardens can also provide surprising moments. Bees may use sunflowers as resting places, creating an unexpected sight for gardeners. Observing bees and other pollinators can add another enjoyable part to the gardening experience and remind people of the connection between plants and insects.

Perhaps the most important lesson is the value of other gardeners. Conversations with people in North Dakota can provide useful ideas about plant varieties, garden methods, trellises, and common problems. Sharing experiences can help gardeners find solutions that may not be obvious from books or online information.

These conversations can also create friendships and community connections. Gardeners can exchange stories, laugh about their successes and failures, and even share extra produce. A simple gardening conversation can lead to new ideas and lasting relationships.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve you and your community over the years. As I leave North Dakota for a new state, I will take with me the gardening lessons, friendships and memories I have gained along the way. Keep growing, keep sharing, and, most importantly, happy gardening! said, How.

Photo Credit: north-dakota-state-university