Spring At Last… I’m So Excited I Wet My Plants!
Yes, Spring is here and last night we were told to set our clocks forward an hour and so doing have lost an hour of sleep. Why that should cause such disruption I am unsure but it does and I am not the only one that seems to be adversely affected at time changes. I do however look forward to the daytime hours that will seem longer and I am really hoping that we stay at this time setting as has been promised. I saw an incredible show this last week on sleep. All cells, I learned, need sleep and several animals and birds have made adaptions to ensure that they get this sleep. Seals are able to turn off one half of their brains at a time and get their much needed sleep while Geese can shut their minds down and get some sleep but are still able to swim and they were conducting some experiments on whether they can actually fly as well. That would explain the long migratory flights that some birds take although does not explain how they would not get lost or collide with other birds or objects. I’m sure that they must have explained that fact but it was late and I think I fell asleep. So of course if all cells need sleep and plants are made of cells, they must sleep.
Plants do have a Circadian Rhythms that is what lets the brain know when we should be sleeping and when we should be awake. This Circadian Rhythm actually alters their metabolism. This allows a plant to prepare for winter by the shortening of days, the storage of energy and the reduction of growth. Some plants like Cabbage are able to launch a chemical defense against predators by giving off a pungent chemical at first light in the morning. This is when its more voracious of pests the caterpillar is up and doing the most damage and this chemical make the Cabbage less palatable to them. Some plants fold up their leaves at night to reduce water loss because the process of transportation is halted as tiny pores on the plant do not open and allow for the release of water vapour. Photosynthesis shuts down in most plants at night, this changes the plants ability to produce oxygen while using carbon dioxide. These two processes are why it is best to water your garden in the morning allowing the plant the daylight hours to rid itself of wet leaves and stem therefor preventing fungal and bacterial problems as well as damage to the flowers and foliage of your plants. Morning watering also can help prevent heat stress. Transplanting in the early evening is advisable as the cooler temperature and increased humidity will help with wilt and transplant stress. Yes, a good nights sleep after transplanting is always good!
Happy Gardening
Samantha Nason
BS Ranch & Greenhouses
250 547 6567 • samanthanason@hotmail.com
