It is about seven weeks to the average last frost date (April 15). That means that the garden season is already here for people who start seeds. While I try to remind readers of what to share when, everyone should check their own seed packets and calculate the start date for their particular seeds.
When you do start seeds, pay attention to the details. While most seeds don’t care if they are buried or exposed, some have particular light needs to successfully germinate.
Some seeds need light, usually small, fine seeds such as Ageratum, balloon flower, begonia, browallia, coleus, Columbine, gaillardia, geranium, impatiens, lettuce, lobelia, nicotiana, nigella, osteospermum, petunia, poppy, primula savory, Shasta daisy, snapdragon, strawflower and sweet alyssum.
Some seeds need darkness, such as Cockscomb, cosmos, sunflower, four o’clock, nasturtium and zinnia.
Use fresh medium, seed-starting or potting mix to fill your containers. These mixes are sterile and light, both helpful for insuring a successful sowing.
Check the temperature; many seeds sprout better with a little warmth. A seed starting mat, a low-temperature and waterproof heating pad will warm the soil, and will help seeds like tomatoes that really want warm soil.
Make sure to keep things moist, but not wet. The planting medium should never dry out. Domes or plastic bags can keep the humidity in and the soil moist, but should be removed as soon as the seeds sprout through the soil.
Light will be important. While not necessary for germinating most seeds, once they sprout, you will need light. Window light is wonderful, but most of us don’t have enough light or space by the window. Supplement lighting with grow lights or the ubiquitous shop lights, as long as the seedlings get light. Ideally, the height of the light source should be adjustable to keep the lights just above the young plants.
So now, get things ready and start those seeds on schedule. Don’t get ahead of yourself though, starting your seeds too early will create challenges: Keeping them from getting too spindly while stretching for light; or getting too big, making them harder to transplant without shock; or taking up too much valuable real estate in your limited seed-starting area.
Remember the Philly Flower Show
I encourage everyone to get out to one of our regional and local flower shows next month.
The Philadelphia Flower Show (https://theflowershow.com) is March 2 through 10 at the Philadelphia Convention Center. This year’s theme, Flower Power, refers not only to the colorful 1960s era, but also to the power of flowers in creating community, tranquility, healing and pleasure. There is always a gigantic and breathtaking entry display leading into the beautiful major exhibitors area.
One of my favorites is the competition area filled with locally grown plants. Be sure to check out the Home Gardener’s Hub where educational displays intermix with the specialized exhibits from plant societies and the new plants from national garden nurseries.
There are also some great speakers, Tovah Martin will be addressing the sensory delights of the garden. Our own local star, Mike McGrath, will be speaking on Wednesday afternoon at 4. My last stop is always the marketplace, a wonderland of plant-related items, and many not-so-related things, where I buy a memento or two, a plant or three, and usually some floral piece of jewelry before leaving the show. I’m tired, aching from too much walking, but happy and inspired by this glimpse of spring.
In Our Garden
Last week was not a particularly good one for us. The delivery of a needed medication got held up for days by bad weather. The chimney, in sore need of cleaning, couldn’t be cleaned because of snow and ice on the roof. Then, I set off the smoke detector and the carbon monoxide detector with a smoky fire. Finally I slipped in the yard, smashing my already-replaced knee and messed-up ankle on a stone wall.
So, it was a welcome respite when my window sill garden bloomed with a brilliant red amaryllis and two pots of delicate African violets. My orchids, all purchased in the last year or two at local stores, including grocery stores, are budded up and getting ready to bloom. My first spring garden shipment arrived — seeds from Renee’s Garden. Nothing terribly exotic this year, some zinnias (Summer Pinwheels), scarlet runner beans (Magic Beanstalk), one of Fran’s favorites, the amaranth Love Lies Bleeding and a few more. I potted up the paperwhites that I bought before Christmas.
Week in the Garden
Start seed for: Dianthus.
Finish sowing seeds for transplanting: Ageratum, lobelia, scabiosa, torenia and verbena.
Next week start: Dahlia, larkspur and portulaca.
Create and follow a schedule for starting seeds.
Check packets for instructions such as start indoors four weeks before last frost date. Then, using a calendar, count back from your area’s date (April 10-15 for southern Lehigh Valley, May 10-15 for northern areas) for the appropriate starting time.
Cut back ornamental grasses. Divide when you see new green growth.
Examine trees and shrubs. Note damaged limbs and candidates for winter pruning. Please check proper pruning information for each plant and prune as needed and recommended.
Take cuttings of African violets and geraniums.
Check for heaved plants, particularly when soil temperatures are fluctuating between freezing and thawing.
Check germination rate for all stored seeds and replace those that perform badly with fresh seed this year.
Get seeds for plants you intend to grow from seed.
Cut the flower stalks off amaryllis plants after the flowers fade but keep the greens warm and watered in a sunny area if you plan on keeping them until next year.
Take a break, but resume watering of newly planted lawns if the ground thaws and we don’t get rain.
Check seed starting supplies for next spring and note or purchase as needed.
Use a humidifier, humidity trays or misting to increase the humidity around your houseplants.
Mark off beds, new plantings, plants that are late to break dormancy in the spring and delicate plants.
Stay off them when\dealing with snow removal.
Top dress beds with compost or manure and till in next spring.
Water any new plantings anytime the ground isn’t frozen and we experience a week with less than an inch of rain.
Plan for spring
Fix damaged screens and garden hoses.
Note damaged caulking around doors and windows.
Provide deer, rabbit and groundhog protection for vulnerable plants.
Reapply taste or scent deterrents.
Clean and fill bird feeders regularly.
Clean up spilled seed and empty hulls.
Dump, scrub and refill birdbaths at least once a week.
Use a heater to provide water during freezing weather.
Clear gutters and direct rainwater runoff away from house foundations.
Tools, equipment, and supplies
Maintain winter equipment and replace or repair as needed.
Place them near where you use them..
Place ice melts and shovels near exterior doors along with boots, gloves, and other outdoor gear.
Check spring/summer equipment — repair or replace damaged or worn out tools.
Check power tools and mowers and send for service if needed.
Use pet, child and plant safe melting products if possible.
Store garden chemicals indoors away from pets and children.
Discard outdated ones at local chemical collection events.
Photograph storm damage before clearing or repairing for insurance claims and file promptly.
Anytime you are outside and the temperatures are about 50°F or warmer watch for tick bites.
Use an insect repellent containing Deet on the skin. Apply a permethrin product to clothing.
Wear light-colored clothing, long sleeves, hats and long pants when working in the garden.
Stay hydrated. Drink water or other non-caffeinated, nonalcoholic beverages.
Even in cold weather, apply sunscreen, wear hats and limit exposure to sun.
Wear closed-toe shoes and gloves; use eye protection; and use ear protection when using any loud power tools.