Digging in the 573 Magazine archives searching for something to kill the winter-blues, we found the perfect piece, from January 2010. The article, written by Dave Fox, reminds us that just because it's cold outside, doesn't mean we can't start planning for our own personal oasis right now. Be garden and landscape ready before spring's arrival.
If you're growing tired of the endless cloudy, cold days, here are some ways to defy winter and begin to "Think Spring.”
If you're growing tired of the endless cloudy, cold days, here are some ways to defy winter and begin to "Think Spring.” Pull out those gardening catalogs, open up a Better Homes & Gardens, and start planning your next garden/landscape project. There are several reasons why now is the time to begin planning those spring projects.
First, the vibrant colors of flowers and plants in the catalogs will help lift you out of the winter doldrums. It will be fun to plan and dream of warm days to come when you can see your project being completed.
Second, if you complete all your planning now, once good weather arrives and/or the ground is dry, you'll be ready to go. You won't waste any good weather preparing your design. Those beautiful spring days won’t be lost sitting inside talking about what you're going to do... you'll be outside doing it!
...if you're going to hire a landscape contractor to help you, they have lots of time on their hands right now and will be eager to talk with you.
Third, if you're going to hire a landscape contractor to help you, they have lots of time on their hands right now and will be eager to talk with you. If you wait until March or April, they'll already be booked up and very busy. So grab something warm to drink and start planning for spring!
For those of you who can’t wait and need to get started now, here are a few tips to help you get a jump on spring planting:
...think about starting seeds indoors for your vegetable garden.
Now is a great time to plant trees. Be sure to fill in around the roots with soil (don’t leave any air pockets), and give the tree a good watering after you plant it.
Get your equipment organized and ready for battle. Tools sharpened, boots polished...
You can cut back perennials if you haven't done so already. Cut back the dead growth and add it to the compost pile. You may want to keep fallen leaves around the perennials for a little extra protection against winter cold.
...and remember, our average last frost is about April 15th.
It's time to think about starting seeds indoors for your vegetable garden. Set up work tables, lighting... Follow the planting directions on the seed packet and remember that our average last frost is about April 15th. You can start growing your seedlings about 30 days before the last frost. -written by Dave Fox
You know what we at 573 always say—crawl out of that sunken sofa and Get Out There. It's time to take back your garden and save money. While the suckers wait, you can save by dragging your local landscaper out of his sunken sofa.
Get Out There! -da editor