Winter Damage

Many gardeners are finding that they have damaged plants in their landscapes this spring. One of the first things most of us want to do is to remove any plants that don't look good, have a few brown needles or leaves. This spring is not the time to move too quickly, removing and replacing any plants that don't look good. We must be patient and give our plants time to show new growth. Many plants, deciduous and evergreens alike, have experienced damage due to the harsh winter. If portions of your plants are not leafing out and showing new growth you may want to remove the upper 25% of the plant to try and stimulate new growth in the remaining portion of the plant. One thing we want to avoid is pulling out the plant too soon. When the root system is established and the plant is ready to grow it would be unfortunate to take it out and start all over getting the plant established.

General- We are still a week (May 15) away from our frost free date in this area but there is plenty to do in the yard. I'm sure you have all the planting areas cleaned up, any winter weeds removed and have last year's mulch or compost in place and ready to be tilled in so you are ready to plant soon. It is a good idea to take a soil test every couple of years so you know what amendments are needed to adjust nutrition and pH. Soil testing is particularly important in the area where you will have your vegetable garden. Most soils in the Miami Valley do not need lime as the pH is already quite alkaline. Gypsum is a good addition to your soil as a source of calcium and an agent that can help with soil compaction and drainage.

Plants to plant now- Since we still have the threat of frost let's plant frost tolerant plants. All the Cole crops can be planted from transplants or 'starts'. It is time to plant others from seed like carrots, radishes, beets, peas, lettuce, onions and spinach. Potatoes could have been planted in March most years but due to the colder temps this spring you can still plant them now. All the bare root veggies like rhubarb and asparagus should be planted now.

There are a number of annuals that can be planted now and will tolerate frost. Pansies, Snapdragons, and Dianthus provide fabulous color along with many perennials including English Daisies, Mt. Pinks, and many more. They will tolerate frost and all these early plantings become well established while the weather is cool, this will get them off to a fabulous start and they will reward you for the early start when you plant them while it is cool and plenty of rains. Trees and shrubs are ready to plant so let's get going.

If you have a gardening question send it to info@meadowveiw.com for a prompt response.


30 years of Growing
Meadow View Growers
New Carlisle, OH
www.meadowview.com

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