Mild winter might change your thinking — and your tasks
Thus far the winter has been exceptionally warm with little to no measurable snow. Some forecasts call for temperatures near 60 degrees several days in the next week or so. Perhaps this is the new weather pattern or maybe just an anomaly. It does alter the gardener’s focus as there is no snow to shovel, no ice to melt, no heaved plants to replant. So, consider moving up the tasks usually done in March and April.
Repair, sand and paint outdoor furniture, fences, garden buildings or anything else that could do with a coat of paint or stain. Top dress your soil with compost or manure. You can dig or till it in later. Check sailor amendments that you actually need by testing the soil. Fill in lawn divots, tire tracks, dog holes and other depressions in your yard. Tamp lightly and see how the soil settles. Then add or remove soil to create a more level yard.
Research and order summer bulbs. If the warm weather persists, you can get a good start on them by potting up the bulbs and roots in March and moving into the garden in May or June. Cut back the ornamental grasses. They are quite messy by now and cutting down last season’s stems will make it easier to see the new grass sprouts, your signal to remove and divide grasses.
Houseplants
There are several groups of plants that can be considered houseplants at different times of the year. Some plants are permanent indoor residents: African violets, cacti, philodendron, orchids and such. Others summer outside: palms, begonias, rosemary, for
example. The third group reside indoors in a dormant or semi-dormant state: mandevillas, daturas, calla lilies, and others.
All plants needs attention.
Leaves: All dead or damaged leaves should be removed or gathered up from the soil surface. The remaining leaves should be cleaned.
A shower works well for groups of plants, Use a shower head on a cord to reach all the leaves and spray both the top and
bottom of the leaves. This will knock off many small insects that infest the plants.
Use a small soft paint brush to dust the leaves of plants that you avoid wetting — African violets come to mind.
Light: As plants show hints of growth, they should be moved into a brighter area (if they were wintered over in a dark, cool room); an area suited to the normal growing needs of the plant, for example, bright indirect light, bright sunlight.
Water: You should have been limiting water during the winter to discourage growth, yet keep the plant alive. When you see new growth, increase watering.
Check for signs of disease, fungus or insects. Notice not only the damage but the source, if possible. Identify the problem and treat. Examples include increasing air circulation around the plants to decrease problems when spores are allowed to settle on leaves. Make sure that water saucers are drained
after watering to eliminate pests that thrive in wet soil. Ease overly dry conditions often caused by forced hot air furnaces or wood stoves by using a humidifier, humidity trays or misting often during the day.
Local flower show
You don’t have to go to Philadelphia to get a taste of spring. The 2023 Lehigh Valley Flower and Garden Show will be held March 10-12 at the Allentown Agri-Plex on the Allentown
Fairgrounds. Expect local landscaper displays, vendors of all manner of garden stuff, seminars, and activities for youngsters. Details were sparse on the website so I’ll check for more information as the date approaches.