What to do now

COVID-19 has been the source of so very many restrictions on our daily life, but, there are no restrictions on gardening! So, get outside, enjoy the fresh air and sunshine (when ever it shows up).  Exercise. Spend quality time with your kids.  Growing your own food is one of the safest ways to stay healthy during this time.

Grow your own:

Have you ever eaten a veggie out of your own garden?  There is absolutely nothing like it!  There are many reasons to grow a garden- the economy, the nutritional value, the challenge.  All gardening begins with a plan.  The desired site for your garden should have at least six hours of direct sunlight a day.  The soil should be loose for root movement; it should also be well-drained to prevent root rot.Crops must be spaced properly to prevent overcrowding which actually leads to less production.  Why?  The plants compete for the sunlight and water, and there is no room to grow if not spaced properly.So what can you plant today?   Peas, potatoes, onions, shallots, garlic, carrots, leafy greens, leeks, carrots, beet, radish, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, brussel sprouts, swiss chard, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, asparagus.

Prep your lawn:

Rake and clean up any debris left over from winter. Apply lime if your pH is low.  Now is the time to apply Step1 Lawn Fertilizer.  Kill your moss if that is an issue.

Prep your beds:

Remove winter mulch from around perennials or, if already well composted, work into the top layer of the soil. Clear away dead leaves or any other debris from winter storms from the soil surface so you're ready to plant.

Divide perennials:

A good time to divide many perennials is just before their spring growth has begun. Dividing perennials is a budget-friendly way to fill your garden with more plants or share them with friends. It's also good for keeping your existing perennials healthy; sometimes, if your plants grow in a large clump, the middle can thin out after a few years, leaving a bare spot. Dividing the clump will encourage fresh, new growth.  Do not divide spring blooming perennials at this time.  You will stress the plant and decrease blooms.

Plant an early spring container:

Pansies, pre potted daffodils, tulips and hyacinths, primrose and cold tolerant annuals are out now and will brighten any spot.