The first day of spring is the Vernal Equinox on March 20. Daylight savings time begins on March 13, and with the lengthening daylight hours come opportunities to linger outdoors later. Although nights are still quite chilly, and we know that there’s lots of spring rain to come, we can breathe deeply, knowing that spring is on its lovely way. The first, tentative flowers, soft, delicate buds, and all shades of green bring hope to the hearts of many.

Winter, spring, rain, or shine, we are living in amazing and stressful times. If you or someone you know is feeling down despite the promise of spring, there is support available: https://coronavirus.wa.gov/information-for/you-and-your-family/mental-and-emotional-well-being.

Not just a catchy children’s rhyme, bed bugs can be a difficult problem to deal with. They live in the crevices of mattresses and furniture and can be hard to see because they are tiny (about the size of an apple seed). They only come out at night to feed on blood. Bites tend to be small, red, itchy, and show up in a single line. Flea bites are typically on ankles and feet, while bed bug bites can be anywhere on the body that was covered by a sheet or blanket. As with any other issue, the prevention of bed bugs is key.

Gardeners tend to be experimental types and we love to share our successes along the way. If you find yourself keeping unsuccessful experiments to yourself, don’t be shy! Sharing information about what didn’t work is just as helpful as sharing about what did.

Get Your Yard Ready for Spring, March 22 – Join us to plan this year’s growing season. Learn to evaluate your soil’s health and why it matters for the long-term health of your garden. We’ll determine how to select fertilizers, share information on how to prevent weeds and offer spring lawn care tips. We’ll discuss weed control fails and share some surprising successes.

Get Growing! Veggies, Berries and More, March 31 – This class is designed for the beginning gardener as well as folks who want to take better care of what they already have. Learn how to evaluate your soil and why soil health is so important to the long-term success of your garden. We’ll share resources and information on some of our favorite local veggies, herbs, and berries.

Lawns on sloping landscapes are not ideal. Hillsides make it hard (if not dangerous) to mow, don’t have great drainage, and if the slope is very steep, the roots of the grass are not usually the best choice to hold soil in place.

Q: Some of my neighbors began mowing their lawns in February. I know the climate in the Pacific Northwest is changing, but should I really break out the lawnmower three months earlier than I normally do?

 A: Wait for that first mow of the season until at least spring equinox, depending on the weather and temperatures. You’re waiting for the average daily temperatures to remain consistently warmer than 50 degrees, allowing the previously dormant grass to spring back to life and critters that have taken winter refuge in the glade to come out of hibernation. If you mow too early, you risk soil compaction and tearing up new, tender roots that can cause harm to the grass over time. You’ll also want to wait to mow until the grass has dried out, so it’s a good idea to wait until there are a few dry, warm days in a row. For those that are eager to care for their lawn, late winter/early spring is a perfect time to get out the mower, sharpen the blades, conduct yearly maintenance, make a plan for dealing with drainage and purchase the slow-release fertilizer that will be needed in May. Your foresight and planning will surely impress the neighbors and give you a jump start when mowing season begins!

Have you ever wondered about the folks behind this newsletter? What makes us “experts” on home and garden topics? We are Public Health professionals with decades of experience educating the public about creating a safer home and garden for their families and our communities.

Elisa Sparkman is a Certified Healthy Homes Specialist, a National Environmental Health Association certification. She has 9 years of experience helping people reduce mold and other environmental hazards from their living spaces. She is passionate about helping people create healthier homes.

Cynthia Taylor, M.Ed, is a certified Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families trainer. She has educated dozens of local childcare providers about children’s environmental health. Visit Protect Kids from Toxins to view her program area.

Jennifer Johnson is a certified ecoPRO, has a pesticide applicator’s license and has led Thurston County’s Common Sense Gardening program for over 15 years. Her family has an organic farm in northwest Olympia, and she is a firm believer that if you create beneficial insect habitats, they will come! She is excited to help you get your yard and garden ready for spring.

We care deeply about this community and want to share information on safe and inexpensive ways to create healthy homes and yards. Join us for one of the upcoming free classes and learn more ways to keep your pets, family, and community safer and healthier. We are happy to talk with your gardening club, homeowner’s association, childcare, or other groups of at least ten folks who want to learn more about these areas of interest. Reach out to johnsoj@co.thuston.wa.us or 360-867-2577 if we can assist you.

Take a Healthy Homes and Gardens workshop with us!