It seems that this spring is coming early. I wonder if it truly will, or if we will get some late winter storms that remind us it is not quite truly spring in spite of what the calendar says. However, as long as it at least seems like spring and the sun warms our faces as we look for jobs to do outside. In early spring it seems there are too few chores, but never fear, there will always be something to be done in the garden.
Early spring is a time to ease into the gardening chores. Try not to overdo it all at once as gardening muscles have been resting for the long, cold winter. If you have not kept up your personal physical fitness since fall, then do yourself a favour and work into the gardening slowly. Make use of those lovely mornings and evenings going for a brisk walk followed up by some simple stretching exercises using, of course, those muscle groups you will use all summer long in the garden.
As the snow recedes and the soil dries, it is a great time to clean up the borders. Take away any dead plant parts, dig out any offending dandelions that seem to be already so green, but take some time to ponder what is coming up. I find each spring I get a few surprises. Things seem to be sprouting in places where you can’t quite remember planting something. I guess that is what we call a “spring bonus”!
It is also a good time to tidy up the garden shed or garage. The temperatures are warm enough that it is not an ordeal to be outside for longer periods of time. Take a look at your tools, clean them up, sharpen them and get rid of what you do not use. The expression spring clean up is generally meant to be for your garden, but for me it is for every part of my property. It is such a great feeling to dispose of clutter.
If you still have not done your spring pruning, you still have a little bit of time. Try not to miss this chore as to prune later in the year is not ideal. The rapid growth of spring will ensure any wounds caused by pruning will heal over quickly thus reducing any chance of disease transfer. Look for next week’s article for some great spring pruning tips.
If you have any trees or shrubs that need moving, then as long as the soil is not too wet but is fully thawed then this is a good time to do this rather big chore. The buds have not yet burst, so moving anything at this time will be the least risky time of all. Better yet, anything you move will have the entire growing season to get reestablished.
Rake your lawn areas if they are dry enough. It is amazing how this small chore really spruces up the landscape. It seems that the grass areas turn green overnight once they have some of that thatch removed. It is a bit early to fertilize if you are using inorganic fertilizer, as that will encourage fast green growth that is susceptible to late spring frosts.
Pay close attention to any seedlings you have growing inside. If you have started your seeds without additional lights and have them sitting on a windowsill you will likely have noticed them reaching for that sun. Try to give them all the light possible as if you find them reaching for light the seedlings will be less strong and more susceptible to stresses like disease.
Happy spring!
— Hanbidge is a horticulturist with the Saskatoon School of Horticulture and can be reached at schoolofhorticulture@sasktel.net.
