The Long Wait is Almost Over
by Ed Mues
Spring, and
nice weather, and the longing to get back into the yard and garden are the
thoughts that preoccupy so many of us these days.
After the cold
and dreary days of winter, we can almost smell the soil bursting with renewed
life and increased vigor.
I've often
said, it is we who are the sentimental beings, the ones who invest so many
aspects of our daily lives into a framework of wishes, desires, and dreams,
hoping, somehow, to manipulate nature. It is, rather, Mother Nature that
manipulates us, with no conscience or intention whatsoever. She renews all that
she is able. We restore all that we are able. We settle into our annual spring
rituals. They bring us untold pleasure.
Insects and
diseases have as much right to live as our plants and we do. Striking a happy
medium, finding the common ground, that is our challenge.
With the
advent of spring, I always find it humbling and useful to remember that 24
million years ago the first earthworms began turning dead and decaying flora
and fauna into humus. Here, then, are some suggestions to gardeners specific to
this time of the year.
Now through
mid-April is a fine time to prune apple, pear, grape, raspberry, blueberry, as
well as deciduous trees and shrubs that bloom on new wood (summer bloomers). As
for stone fruit trees such as peach, cherry, and plum, wait until they are in
flower.
Ideal
conditions of dormancy, cool temperatures, and moist soils provide an
opportunity to renovate rhododendron, azalea, laurel, lilac, andromeda, and
holly even at the expense of sacrificing some blossoms this spring.
Soil is
thawing and plant roots are beginning to grow. Be especially careful using
deicing salts now.
Late season
snows can be especially heavy and damaging to evergreens. Don't wait for snow
to stop. Remove it as it accumulates.
When lawn
areas are dry, stiff rake them to remove dead grass, leaves, and tree debris.
As soon as
flower bulb foliage appears, fertilize these beds with 3 lbs. of 5-10-10 per
100 square feet.
When temperatures
are expected to stay above 40˚F for 24 hours or longer, spray fruit trees with
dormant oil or horticultural oil to control eggs, immature forms, and
soft-bodied adults of very many insect pests.
It's a great
time to plan your garden diary complete with before, during, and after photos.
Include space for details, successes and failures, corrective measure taken,
and anything else you think pertinent.
Plant pea and
spinach seeds as soon as feasible—as well as onion, shallot, and garlic sets.
With 12 hours
of daylight around the corner, your houseplants will reward you with a flush of
new growth if rejuvenated with fresh soil, a good shower, and a light
fertilizing. Some may need repotting.
General garden
clean up can be done now if not done in the late fall. Mulch paths now to
suppress early weed growth from getting established. Don't work the soil if it
is still wet. But, if it's fairly dry and won’t stay in a clump if you squeeze
it hard, go to it with few ill consequences. Over-wintering insects brought to
the surface can be removed by hand or left to the birds or subsequent frosts
sure to still come.
Dead and dried
ornamental grass leaves, flowers, and seed heads can be cut back close to the
base of the plant. Leave a few short handles (four inches is good) so they can
be identified when everything begins to burst forth. These, as well as
flowering shrubs and perennials can be fed now.
Rhubarb and
asparagus can be fed, too. Use 1-1/2 pounds of 5-10-10 per 25 feet of row. Do
this again in July.
Reseed bare
spots in the lawn but wait until Memorial Day to fertilize.
After a winter
with so many temperature fluctuations, inspect closely your favorite perennials
and shrubs for having been thrust upward out of their designated spot. This is
called frost heaving, and it is likely you'll find some that need resetting. Do
this carefully so as not to damage roots already beginning to grow. Mulch with
at least two inches of material. The rains of April will likely settle everyone
in just fine.
It is practically
spring. Believe it and go forth as sentimentally as you please. Stretch and
feel the sun's warmth 12 hours a day. Celebrate the earth beneath our feet, the
connection we share with it. Happy spring!
Posted by Chris Hewitt
on 10:13 AM.
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