Some snippets of advice for the months of January, February and March...
- Inspect your gardening tools for sharpening and repairs.
- Sharpen shears, pruners and loppers.
- Send mowers out for repair and sharpening.
- Remove branches from the lawn that have been downed by winter storms.
- Prune trees and shrubs. But wait to prune Spring-blooming trees and shrubs (i.e. forsythia, lilac, rhododendron and azalea) until after they bloom.
- Remember the birds. Provide bird seed and a steady supply of water. They also love suet. Heaters are available for birdbaths at our Garden Center.
- Check new varieties of flower and vegetable seeds. Stock up on seed starting supplies (i.e. trays, soil, and labels.) Start most seeds six weeks before our frost date of May 15. Consult the seed packet for maturity date and other pertinent information.
- Fertilize your house plants and check for insects.
- Check to see if your saved bulbs are viable.
- Remember to stock up on ice melt and sand. There are pet-friendly and 100% organic beet juice options as well.
- Keep a supply of fire wood and fire starters to be prepared for winter storms.
- Stock up on batteries for winter storms.
- Cut branches of forsythia, cherry and apple for indoor forcing for a little early color!
- Go to the gym…swimsuit season is coming!