Free Garden Catalogs

Can you plant a garden when the ground is wet?

I was just wondering if it will hurt the plants or seed if I plant them when the ground is wet. I have tomato's, green beans , watermelon, and corn.

Public Comments

1. As long as it's not soaked you can plant.
2. my mom prefers to plant when the ground is dry. i guess to her its easier to work with the dirt. she puts potting mix from Miracle Grow and some regular potting mix around her plants anyway. then covers the top with what ever dirt is in the area. as long as your ground isn't soaking wet. it should be fine to plant in if u don't mind the wetness. water won't be soaked up very well though.
3. No, not if the garden is waterlogged. The seeds will rot and the plants may not do very well. If it is only just wet then that will be okay. Buy a couple of bags of soil from the supermarket to put in the planting hole before you put the plants in. For the seeds, you can make dry rows using the soil too. You should be okay then.
4. Seeds like wet ground. The only trouble will be that they also like the bottom of your shoes if they're muddy. I tried planting a batch of lettuce this spring when it was moist out, and now I have lettuce "footprints" in other places in my garden. :) If you're planting seedlings, though -- like tomatoes, for instance -- it won't hurt them to plant when the ground is wet. You just have to remember to water the plant in anyway.
5. Grab a handfull of soil and give it a squeeze if it just sticks together your soil is too wet . Soil should crumble otherwise when you plant you will compact your soil this will keep the roots frim spreading freely. seeds can be planted in moist soil just put a layer of soil compost mix on top to the depth indicated on the seed pack.