Spring into the garden
This is probably the hardest time of year for me. With the increased daylight, the warming temps, and the return of songbirds… it feels like spring is just around the corner!
And with all the commercials on the tv, garden catalogs arriving in the mailbox, and all the pretty pictures of flowers emerging in gardens around the globe — I can’t wait to get my hands in the dirt and get my own garden started!
But then I take a look at the calendar and see that it is only February! And although it will technically be spring just next month, here in the Walla Walla valley (USDA Zone 7a), it’s not exactly time to start sowing or planting those tender summer annuals.
It can be tempting, though, especially on those warmer days, to think that it would be possibly safe to get started. But as someone who’s learned this lesson the hard way several times over, I encourage you to pause!
Even with warm days, the evening temps are too cold for tender plants. It doesn’t have to be freezing at night to damage them either. Most summer annuals need the ground to be a consistent 50 degrees for tender plants to survive. Planting them too early will cause them to struggle, and become fodder for those early season garden pests.
So resist the urge to plant until after the last spring frost — which isn’t until early May. And take the energy and excitement you have now to set the stage for them to thrive by taking care of these important spring tasks!
Take inventory & get ready.
If you’re planning to start seeds inside, make sure your trays & dome lids are still in good shape — and most importantly — you know where they are! Hahahaha!
I also like to test heat mats & grow lights. Check your seed stash and double count that you have all you need. Clean your hand tools and sharpen snips & pruners.
Purchase fertilizers, amendments, potting soil and seed starting mix. I find gathering up all my supplies and getting organized is a perfect way to get a little dirty without getting ahead of myself!
Make your plan.
Sketch out your planting plan, making sure to rotate the location of crops different from last year.
Pot up anything that you overwintered inside.
If you’re planning to purchase plant starts, check with your local farms and garden centers and make note of their plant sale dates. Many people have become avid home gardeners during the last couple years, so plan to shop early for best selection!
Order ladybugs/beneficial insects and compost worms, if you’re into those things.
Prune, mulch & amend.
Trees, shrubs, and other woodies usually prefer an early spring pruning — I’m looking at you garden roses! Take off any diseased or rotten looking limbs or shoots.
Pull away excess leaf litter from the base of low lying shrubs to allow for airflow. Put down a layer of compost or other specialty fertilizer.
Add manure to garden beds or rows, the spring rains will help to break it down so that it’s readily available when you plant. Plus it often acts as a barrier for early spring weeds.
I know these aren’t super glamorous tasks, but hopefully they’ll be just what you need to get started without getting a little too ahead of Mother Nature.
It’s going to be a beautiful year — I can just feel it!