It may not feel like it, but we really are at the cusp of spring. We could have some cold weather and maybe some snow/sleet/rain or other messy stuff on the way next week, but we know that our weather can change on a dime in March. So be ready to hit the ground running when the weather breaks. In fact, you may find traces of the earliest harbingers of spring emerging from the cold ground about now in the form of crocuses!
If you start your own plants from seed, you must start them now in order to have them ready in time for planting outside. We have everything that you need to get started, including pots, trays, planting media, and vegetable, herb, and flower seeds from Burpee and Botanical Interest. Once you have everything ready to go, set them in a south-facing window or under grow lights and keep them watered, without drowning them. Don’t forget that in the days before planting, you will need to harden off your plants by putting them outside for a certain amount of time every day, increasing the duration each time, so they can gradually get used to the outside temperatures.
The lonely caws of the winter crows are quickly being replaced by a growing chorus from songbirds as they return from their winter retreats. The beautiful Eastern Bluebirds are now scouting for spring homes. But they are picky little critters and will only nest in houses that are built exactly to their liking. If you have bluebird boxes already, remove the nests from last year, otherwise they’ll pass you by. For less picky species, we have houses, feeders, birdseed and everything else to welcome them back!
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In the last remaining weeks of winter, why not treat your spring fever with some indoor foliage plants and tropicals? They’re bright, cheery and will actually clean the air, which can get pretty stale in an office over the winter. We also have some beautiful bloomers right now, such as orchids, African violets, primrose, and more to add some color to your life. As far as outside tasks go, there are still some last-minute things for you to do. If you haven’t already, get your pruning done before the trees and shrubs start to leaf. Don’t go overboard. Start with diseased or dead branches, then move on to cosmetic work. It wouldn’t hurt to get a light layer of mulch down in the beds so that when everything starts to bloom, the gardens look tidy. Cut back your ornamental grasses…duct tape is your friend and will make the process easy. And keep an eye on the forsythias. When they bloom, THAT is the time to get your lawn weed pre-emergent down. Timing is key!
Be sure to check out our events on Facebook and our Web page. We have some seminars and workshops coming up in the next few weeks, including our trip to the Philadelphia Flower Show on March 6. And we have some very exciting events coming this spring and summer that you’ll want to put on your calendar now!
