As soon as the snow melts, the urge to hit the garden kicks in. Gardeners are eager to work the soil, shop the nursery for plants, and get their hands dirty in the garden. We’re thrilled to welcome everyone back to Pear Tree Nursery & Garden Center! But what tasks are safe to start this early? Which veggies can brave the lingering threat of frost, and which should wait a bit longer? With our short growing season, maximizing every moment counts. Here are some tips to keep you busy and safeguard your plants from any late frosts.
Early Spring
Early spring is all about tidying up. Clear away dead leaves, sticks, and last year’s foliage from your veggie garden, flowerbeds, and landscaping. It’s also a perfect time to assess if your raised garden beds and pots need more soil, compost, or sand. Dividing perennials now helps keep roots and plants healthy. Don’t forget to replenish mulch in your landscaping to stay ahead of weed growth. And while you’re at it, prune your fruit trees, evergreens, and shrubs.
Mid-Spring
Moving into mid-spring, once the soil has thawed, it’s generally safe to start planting cool-season veggies like potatoes, which take off in cooler soil. You can also introduce perennials and cool-season annuals like pansies and snapdragons, giving them time to establish roots before the heat sets in. Plant new trees and shrubs now to allow their roots to grow before the heat of the summer. Radishes and lettuce can also go in the ground during this time.
Late Spring
Late spring means you can confidently finish planting your warm-season crops, such as tomatoes, peppers, and herbs, along with flowers like dahlias and gladiolus. With the threat of frost behind us, it’s full-on gardening season!
As always, our team at Pear Tree Nursery is here to answer any gardening questions, help you find what you need, and guide you through another fabulous growing season! Contact us anytime!
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