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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.
Don't
forget to follow the links and banner ads to find out more about
our sponsors! Better yet contact them or order something
from them and let them know that you appreciate their sponsoring
Savvygardener.com!
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
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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 |