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leprechaun March 14, 2001

Temptation Garden...
Has anyone else been tempted to get in the garden to start removing the protective layer of leaves or mulch from their plants?  You are not alone.  It takes just a couple of warm days for me and I am out there with a rake trying to remove all of the fall and winter debris.  I have to remind myself to be patient. Remember, Spring in not officially here until March 21st and even once Spring has arrived the chance of damaging frost looms over our heads through April into early May.  I guess the best advice for all of us would be to sit tight for awhile longer.  Take this time to organize yourself so that when planting time finally arrives you will be able to spend time planting and not preparing.  Make sure your tools are in top condition and if you didn't get a chance to clean out pots last fall do so now while you have the extra time.  

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It has been a mild week thus far but a change is headed our way once again.  It will be back into the 30's by the weekend so stay warm and have a Happy St. Patrick's Day!

~ Shelly  

St. Patrick Was A Gardener, Wasn't He?
While it's traditional to plant potatoes on St. Patrick's Day Savvygardeners should be aware of two assumptions made in setting this date.  First, that your soil is consistently 45 degrees or higher.  It's been a bit cool in most of the area for soil temperatures to be quite that high.  Unless of course it's been warmed by a microclimate condition or the use of soil warming mulch.  

The second assumption is that the soil is dry enough for working.  Working in overly moist soil can make a mess that will be hard to correct later.  How can you tell?  Grab a handful of soil and squeeze.  If it holds together like clay it's too wet.  If it crumbles like a birthday cake it's ready for planting.

Now Cut That Out...
So, you think it's too early to cut the grass?  Not the ornamental grass!  In early spring before new growth begins you should remove the previous year's foliage to promote earlier and more healthy growth.  Use hand clippers, a weed whacker or other power equipment to cut your grasses back to within 3 to 5 inches of the ground.  While you're at it take a look at the centers of the plant clumps.  If the center of the clump shows little or no growth, it should be divided.  Separate and replant the vigorous growth on the outer edge of the clump.  Stand back and watch them grow!

Source

Thyme For Renewal?
If you grow thyme in your garden you may want to rejuvenate your plot this spring.  Thyme, a low-growing, woody perennial herb, should be started from seed every two to three years.  This is because older plants produce coarser, lower grade stems and leaves.  Thyme seeds often germinate poorly when planted directly in the soil, so it's best to start plants indoors now for transplant later.

 

Papa Geno's Herb Farm 
Plants Grown in the Midwest for Midwestern Gardeners!
Herbs, Scented Geraniums and Veggies. 
1/3 off specials on website!
www.papagenos.com
 

 

The Old Heave Ho...
Temperatures sure seem to be on the rise and a well deserved thaw in the soil may be a permanent thing soon.  Scout around your garden for signs of recent heaving -  the forcing of shallow-rooted plants out of the soil due to the freezing and thawing of the ground.  Don't tamp the plants or the surrounding soil as this may overly compact the soil.  Simply give them a gentle push back into place.   

What's Hot On The Hotline...
The Vernal Equinox is just around the corner and Spring can't be far behind!  Of course the equinox marks the first day of Spring but do you know why?  That answer and this week's popular hotline questions are in this week's What's Hot on the Hotline... 

 

 

Special Delivery...
Most catalogs don't deliver your plant orders until it's time to plant them.  Unfortunately sometimes local conditions are different than "usual" and your plants arrive a bit early for planting.  Don't panic, but don't ignore them either!  Your mail-order plants do need some care in the time between their arrival and your ability to plant them.  Unwrap them immediately and check for specific directions on early care.  Lacking this just keep them cool and moist in a protected area until you can safely get them in the ground.

Turf Tips by Chris Karcher...
We are pleased to welcome a new, and important, monthly lawn care column to Savvygardener.com.  Each month Chris Karcher, Franchise Owner of NaturaLawn of America, will offer Savvygardeners the best advice for the care of their Kansas City area lawns.  This week Chris offers us advice on all aspects of early season care.  You'll find it in Turf Tips...

Finally...
"May you have warm words on a cold evening, 
A full moon on a dark night, 
And the road downhill all the way to your door."

~ Traditional Irish Saying

 

 

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