Gardening Hints
You asked for it! As always, now you must be careful! This was the Winter that wasn't. 2020 will go into the books as one of the mildest and snow-less Winters of all times! This usually portends an early and hopefully prolonged Spring. One danger we could confront is that the season won't continue to become increasingly mild. The Spring of 2019, although not accompanied by a frost beyond April 1, did not demonstrate night temperatures above 50 degrees until almost June.
Another caveat is that we could still experience a very wet snowfall of significant volume, that would cause physical damage to outdoor plants. Even more of a catastrophe is the possibility of a period of frigid temperatures, which would be unfortunate for trees, shrubs and perennials already breaking dormancy. Equally unsettling would be the economic affects on the New England agricultural and horticultural community. Berries and fruits could completely fail, while ornamentals would be devastated.
Some Spring traditions will occur in the same cadence regardless of anomalies. Pruning of fruit and ornamental trees should be done as soon as possible. Blueberries and raspberries should be pruned if required. Prepare for the annual dormant spray (oil and fungicide) of all fruit trees by the end of the month.
Gradually remove protective mulches and debris from perennials and shrubs, as well as strawberries and emerging bulbs. Begin fertilizer applications this month for trees, shrubs and perennials. Use a slow-release Nitrogen organic fertilizer at recommended intervals for the best results. Top dress vegetable gardens (cleared of debris) with organic manure or compost. Seaweed is also excellent for dressing.
Prepare turf grass areas by thoroughly raking (not blowing), and if weeds are expected, apply corn gluten in April. In weed-free lawns fertilizer and seed can be applied after raking. Begin to dig evergreen and deciduous trees and shrubs as soon as the ground is workable. This is an excellent time to perform a soil test on turf grass and vegetable garden areas.
Sharon-View has added new merchandise to our 2020 spring inventory. We have in stock and the ability to create the finest custom wrought iron gates and fences.
Good luck! We're looking forward to a exciting Spring growing season!
Please print & clip the 15% off coupon below, valid for purchases from March 7
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, 2020 through April 15
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, 2020.