By Mark Packard
It looks like we are in the clear for planting vegetable and herb gardens. The night time temps are in the 40’s and the wet weather has subsided. Just keep an eye on the night time temps. If they get below 40 degrees you will need to cover your new plants with a blanket to keep them warm.
The two questions I get asked the most this time of year are “Is it too early to plant?” and “Is it too late to plant?” Here’s the general rule. Transplanting and moving plants should be done in early spring and early fall before the growing seasons. New plantings like trees, shrubs, and perennials can get planted any time you can stick a shovel in the ground. If you plant new plantings in the spring and fall you won’t have to water as much as if you plant in the summer but it can be done.
One year I planted a Thundercloud Plum tree in January when there was a foot of snow. It still looks great to this day. Gardening is a great way to teach, to destress, and a great way to see the reward for your labor.
Here’s a quick cheat for planting pots on your deck or front steps. Take a mixed hanging basket out of the hanger and plant it in your pottery. It makes perfect planters instantly!
An oak tree will drop an acorn on the ground and a few leaves will cover it. No one around to water it, fertilize it, or stake it, yet it will grow strong and straight for hundreds of years.
Gardening questions? Email [email protected]
“Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago”
– Warren Buffett

By Local Happenings