05 March 2020
A Garden Tip from Helen...
Spring has sprung with lots and lots of rain – a precursor to another summer drought? Anyway, time to get busy. Prune those dead branches from all the shrubbery including those new branches that are rubbing against each other. Put weed killer down on the lawn. I know it is a bit early, but if you want to sow grass seed this season, you need to kill those weeds now to allow for a six week window before planting seed.
Focus on the Vegetable Garden
The vegetable garden is the most important focus this month. Believe it or not, it is a bit late to plant snow peas, but I’d try them anyway. Spinach, sweet peas, beets, lettuce, and turnips can also be planted outside. Since spinach is so finicky about sprouting, you can try wrapping the seeds in wet paper towels for a couple days to encourage them before planting outside. Use the same procedure for peas. If you are really into your veggies, now is also the time to start broccoli, tomatoes, eggplant and pepper plants indoors.
Plant New Rose Bushes
New rose bushes need to be planted this month for a good first season performance. If they are bare rooted plants, soak the roots in water for not more than 24 hours before planting. Remember, it really is necessary to dig a hole at least twice the size you need. Fill the hole half full of peat moss, center your new plant in the hole and fill with your soil. Make sure the knuckle or graft of the rose bush (the knot all the stems branch from) is at ground level and not below. Take into consideration how much lower the plant may sink once it is thoroughly watered – always an issue!! You can lay your shovel’s handle on the ground across the hole to help determine the right depth for the plant.
Don't Forget the Daffodils
I hope you are enjoying the daffodils you planted last fall. Give them a little encouragement now by spreading a handful of bone meal or Bulb Booster around their stems before and after they bloom.
Don’t work too hard,
Helen