Waiting for that Big Break
Mar 3rd, 2010 by Kathy
March is finally here; and rarely has a month been so anticipated by so many people across the nation. After the record-breaking, branch-breaking, and back-breaking amounts of snow that fell on much of the country in February, millions of people have been waiting for the weather to break, so that they can do some serious ground-breaking in their gardens.
Although there are lots of places where it will be safe to start planting this month, there are also many regions that can have frost, and even more snow, well into April. So, if you live in one of the latter locations, even though spring is just a few weeks away, and even if the temperature is rising, and the forecast calls for it to continue in an upward trend, you’ll still have to resist the temptation to start putting things into the ground too early.
Of course, as I always say, if you can’t plant, plan. Start by designing the structure of your garden, and don’t forget to include your garden structures. Whether you already have arbors, trellises, or pergolas, or are going to install any, make sure that they’re properly placed before putting seed to soil.
This Planter Bench is all ready for spring!
This is even more crucial when it comes to gazebos, pool houses, cabanas, and sheds, as it’s common to give these backyard structures some special landscaping of their own. Furthermore, if you don’t have one yet, but intend to get one, some of your newly-established plants and flowers may be wiped out during its construction.
You can also tend to your compost pile, which may very well have been neglected – and, indeed, even forgotten – if it has been buried deep beneath the snow. Begin turning it regularly, to get it all heated up and ready for action. If you don’t have a compost pile (or if you accidentally shoveled or plowed yours away with the snow), start one now.
Your tools will also have to be ready for peak performance, so have your lawnmower’s blades sharpened, oil changed, bolts tightened, and other parts inspected and/or cleaned.
Sharpen your garden tools, using a file on trowels, hoes, clippers, and shovels, and a whetstone on pruning shears. Once they’re sharpened, coat the metal with some penetrating oil; and, if they are moving parts, a heavier oil as well. Sand rough spots on wood handles, and then apply some linseed oil.
In my next entry, I’ll have some more suggestions for March gardening projects. I’m anxious to get started on mine, too, but, at the moment, I’m sitting here looking at a patio that remains covered with at least a foot of snow. So, I’m still waiting for that big break!
Yours Outdoors,
Kathy
