Get a head start on spring planting
Many gardeners worry about early buds being exposed to a late snow or frost. Spring flowering bulbs that are hardy to our climate zone 5 are very tough, and unless the buds are fully formed and it gets extremely cold, the foliage and flower will endure these kinds of temperatures. A heavy snow may weigh down foliage but will not damage the flower unless it is in bloom.
Perennials that have started new growth should be left under the protection of mulch until temperatures are a bit warmer. Many times an enthusiastic gardener (myself included) will start to rake out the spent leaves and winter protection for an early spring-cleaning. However, this should be left until the temperature of the soil has warmed and the days are a bit longer. Uncovering these perennials and new growth may expose them to more sun than they are ready for, but also to temperatures that will rise and fall with the spring. When to Transplant
Now is the time to plan for that big move. When the ground has thawed completely and a soil can be worked, this is the correct time for transplanting a Rose, a flowering shrub, or many other plants that a gardener wishes to move. Clematis may have outgrown an area or need a new trellis. The plants and shrubs are still dormant and will suffer much less transplant shock if done at this time of the year before they start to send out new growth. Be sure to do this quickly by having a good plan. Woody plants such as the Rose should be trimmed back to a size that a gardener can work around.
Prepare the transplant hole and add compost to the hole before digging out the plant that is to be moved. Try to dig a good root system out with the plant by keeping the shovel at least a foot away from the base of the plant, more on larger, more established plants and shrubs. Transfer the plant as quickly as possible; try not to expose the roots to too much air or sunlight. I do not recommend any kind of synthetic fertilizer (protect the roots from burning); rather, add good compost to the soil when transplanting. Plants and shrubs will show very little sign of transplant shock if it is done properly.
Watch for a late frost
Keep an eye on the flowering shrubs and trees when there is a mild winter. The buds on the branches can be hit by a late frost that may damage the flowers we so much look forward to in the springtime. Lilacs, Azaleas, Golden Chain trees were affected several years back by a very late April freeze. Try to keep old blankets handy for this reason for shorter shrubs such as the Azaleas; however, the larger Lilacs can get too big to protect and there is not too much that can be done. We must accept what Mother Nature dishes out in late spring.
Early spring is also a great time to clip a few branches off of the flowering trees and shrubs and bring them indoors. Bundle them up and soak them in a sink in cold water for a few hours. Arrange them in a vase and place in a sunny area of the house. In no time at all the branches will bloom with some of the most beautiful spring flowers we gardeners adore. The soft gray and pink catkins of the Pussy Willows, saffron yellow of the Forsythia and Which hazel, and most early flowering trees will work well for a nice arrangement. Cut branches early in the day when the sun is out and it is dry. Seeding the lawn
Early spring seeding is as easy as getting out there early in the morning while there is frost present or a slight dusting of snow has fallen. This is when I choose to spread out grass seeds into my lawn. If the ground is frozen and puckered, the seed falls into the cracks just where they need to be until the soil warms up for germination securing the grass seed into the soil. Another application later in early spring while temperatures are still cool makes for a nice lawn in the summer. There is one down side: Hungry birds may discover what is being done and flock to the area. A cat in the yard may help keep them at bay as well as keeping the bird feeders well stocked.
Getting a leg-up on spring chores is much easier if they are spread out. Trying to accomplish everything in one weekend is hard. By pruning a little here and moving a few things there, many chores can be done before that big push for spring has arrived. Planting new annuals and applying decorative mulch will come soon enough. If you want to get your hands in the dirt now, put on your gloves and get an early start!
Next month in HomeStyle, The Plant Whisperer will answer your gardening questions. Email your gardening queries to email@example.com or mail to The Plant Whisperer, c/o Valerie Roth , The News-Times, 333 Main St., Danbury, CT 06810. Visit the Plant Whisperer on the Web at www.PlantWhisperer.com .