Missoula, MT – As the chill of winter begins to fade and spring edges closer, greenhouses across Great Falls are getting ready for the season ahead. Though the official start of spring is March 20, Montana gardeners know all too well that the last freeze can come much later, requiring careful planning and timing to ensure a successful growing season.
At Bundi Gardens in Great Falls, co-owner Shannon Bundi is already busy preparing for the upcoming gardening season. The greenhouse is filled with rows of young plants, carefully tended to as they begin to sprout in trays known as “flats.” These seedlings include tomatoes, peppers, and parsley — all essential crops that will soon be ready for transplanting.
“We are currently starting our seedlings,” Bundi said. “Just today, I was doing some tomatoes, peppers, and parsley.”
Montana’s growing season presents unique challenges due to the short window between frost-free days. While the official start of spring is around the corner, Bundi reminds local gardeners that the last frost typically doesn’t occur until mid-May.
“Our last average frost date is May 15,” Bundi explained. “That means, on average, that’s usually about the last time that we get a snow.”
Watering: A Crucial Gardening Skill
One of the most important aspects of gardening — and one that new and experienced gardeners often struggle with — is proper watering. Overwatering is a common mistake, leading to problems such as fungus, algae growth, and root rot, particularly in potted plants like citrus and avocado trees.
Bundi advises gardeners to water their plants thoroughly but only when the soil is dry, emphasizing the importance of good drainage. “We need to water thoroughly and then wait until it’s dry,” she said. “This is true for all houseplants, herbs, and your garden.”
Greenhouse Tips for Home Gardeners
For those gardening at home, Bundi suggests that high-tech greenhouse systems aren’t necessary to achieve success. With simple, affordable solutions, gardeners can create a warm, nurturing environment for their plants.
“You don’t really need something expensive,” Bundi said. “You just need a table lamp and a daylight bulb.”
While Bundi Gardens uses heated benches and a hot water system to maintain a consistent 55 to 60 degrees for their seedlings, she reassures home gardeners that similar results can be achieved on a budget. Many garden centers offer roll-up heating mats, which work well to keep plants warm during cooler nights.
Choosing the Right Plants for Montana
Given Montana’s short growing season, Bundi recommends that gardeners take extra care in selecting plants suited to the region’s climate. Some crops, such as habanero peppers, require a longer growing period — up to 90 days from flower to fruit — so starting them earlier is crucial for success.
“For anything that has a longer growing season, you want to start that earlier,” Bundi said.
Gardening enthusiasts are encouraged to check with local agricultural extension offices to ensure that the plants they choose are suitable for Montana’s unique climate.
With a bit of planning and attention to detail, local gardeners can make the most of Montana’s short growing season and set themselves up for a bountiful harvest — even if the last remnants of winter are still lingering.
