“The first day of spring is one thing, and the first spring day is another. The difference between them is sometimes as great as a month.” -Henry Van Dyke.
We’d all agree. Our weather is unpredictable. As we eagerly await the first spring day, here are some ideas for March gardeners:
Start seeds indoors. We are about 6-8 weeks away from ‘planting out’ season. There are many vegetables and flowers that can be started indoors from seed this time of year. This is as satisfying as it is money saving. Peruse the seed racks at your local retailer. You will find a wide variety of seeds. Growing your own plants is fun and cheaper than purchasing pre-started plants in May.
Try veggies such as tomatoes, peppers, onions, broccoli, and cauliflower. Some good flower choices include petunias, zinnias, marigolds, snapdragons and impatiens. Prepare for starting seeds indoors by gathering supplies and equipment. The most crucial element for successful seed starting begins with quality and fresh seed. Each year as seed ages, its germination diminishes as well as the quality of the young plant. Using sterile soil, supplemental light, and bottom heat of about 70 degrees F are the other crucial elements.
March is a good time to start dahlia bulbs and canna bulbs indoors. Use one gallon sized pots, filled with a good potting soil. If it is raining or too cold to go outside and work this is the perfect time to pot up dahlia and cannas in pots. Place the pots in a sunny window or heated greenhouse and water.
When the snow has melted, cut back the standing perennials in your flowerbeds such as sedum, rudbeckia, shasta daisies and the like. Most of them break off at the base and are easy to clean up.
Empty nesting boxes anticipating the arrival of migratory birds. Some tree swallows will arrive early April. Clean bird bath and feeders to welcome spring feathered friends.
Visit your favourite nursery or garden centre and bring home a pot or fresh bouquet of spring flowers like tulips, daffodils or crocus. Start planning for a very special Easter or Passover with your family and friends. April will be here before we know it.
Put your feet up! A great website is waiting for you. Visit www.dunnvillehortandgardenclub.org. Look at our ‘Events’ drop-down listing for more spring gardening activities.
Be sure to join us from 7-9pm, March 16, for our DHS monthly program night, at the Optimist Club Hall, 101 Main St., Dunnville. Karen Bushert & Moritz Sanio from the Grand River Conservation Foundation will present “Trees and Bees”. There will be refreshments and free recycled garden give-aways.
This evening is free and open to everyone, members and non-members alike. We are a welcoming group of people of all ages and gardening stages.
If you have questions or for more information call Debbie Thomas, Dunnvillle Horticulture Society/Garden Club President (905) 774-3064 or Deb Zynomirski, VP (416) 556-9337.