EARTH MONTH, WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU?

Have you noticed how much there is going on this April? 

April 9^th there is a solar eclipse. Many of us have waited a long time for this: Canadians in Kingston and Niagara will see the “total” eclipse for the first time in 700 years.

We can’t wait, but just want to warn you not to look at it directly even with quality sunglasses on. The only safe way to look at the solar eclipse is through special-purpose solar filters, such as certified eclipse glasses.

You can, however, have a close look at the seed trays that you sowed as the emerging seedlings are very hard to spot at first. But my, what a thrill. Many of Mark’s perennials and slow germinating veggies like peppers and eggplant are poking through the soil in his greenhouse as we speak.  

If you ever want to hurry the spring-time experience along, get yourself a greenhouse. Mark likes to say that spring arrives a month early in his. The warmth, moisture, and the intensity of the sun on a bright day can add years to your life.

So he says.

Tomatoes

If you are someone who enjoys starting tomato seeds early, be sure not to do this too early. There is a temptation to sow them now to get a head start on spring. What you will end up with are overgrown plants that take up a lot of room as you wait for the frost free date in late May. Once planted, the lanky plants will not take off quite like young, stocky plants that you sow around the third or fourth week of April. 

Lawns

Better to take your energy and invest it in raking your lawn lightly, to remove winter debris. 

As the ground dries out you might aerate your lawn to open up the root zone to fresh air and oxygen. Long term, your lawn will benefit.

Apples and fruit

Prune apples and other fruit trees before they break bud, ie. “flower”. This is a good time of year to train fruit trees against a wall or along a trellis. The goal of pruning fruit generally is to open the canopy to allow the sun to filter in, the wind to pass through. You will maximize yield and minimize disease and insect problems.  

Plant

Dormant plants purchased from your garden retailer are better planted in April than later in the heat of the season. Flowering shrubs, evergreens and trees love to meet the cool, moist earth this time of year. As they break dormancy they will produce leaves and flowers in harmony with the season: following natures cues to wake up and smell the roses (in June). 

On this point, avoid planting any plants that have been forced early. They have arrived from a greenhouse or points south where they broke their winter slumber early and are soft and susceptible to frost, wind and sun damage. If you do purchase a plant that has been forced protect it on the east side of your house or in an unheated garage or shed until weather warms in May. 

Be sure to check out our “to do” list below and Jody Allairs’ monthly birding message. Have you noticed the lovely bird songs in your neighbourhood? How invigorating is that!

And check out the Harrowsmith monthly recipe. And look for the spring edition on news stands. We are pleased to have made a contribution once again to this fine publication.

Mark and Ben Cullen

Merchants of beauty and beans.

Markcullen.com

Cullensfoods.com

Foodandsheltergoods.com