Gold River Buzz

News from your IRLY Garden Centre

Via Bridgite Messer

Those who planted bulbs last fall should be able to see that the crocuses are starting to peek out! Winter must be easing off. So now is the time to get a jump start on the garden:

Firstly, for all of you who start sowing early, the seeds are in!  This year we have West Coast Seeds.  Based on all the comments we received last year, the seed rack has been handpicked to best serve our gardening customers.  Besides the regular varieties, the collection includes certified organic seeds, heirloom tomatoes, and lots of Asian greens.  There can be weekly orders if a particular seed not on the rack is wanted.  If you are not a seed person, you can relax for a while longer as the bedding plants come much later, May is usually safe.  A diverse selection of perennials will be arriving in mid March along with a variety of seed potatoes.  These items will be found at the main store until gardening traffic increases.

Secondly, February is pruning month.  All trees and shrubs should be pruned of dead and diseased branches.  This is also the best time to prune those plants which need their size kept in check.  It’s also time to spray all fruit trees and roses with lime sulfur and dormant oil to control over wintering insects.  Be sure to do this on a mild windless day.

Thirdly, winter has been pretty reasonable so far.  You can tell by the moss and weeds that are already growing. February is a great month to get started on this war.  You can apply dolomite lime to the lawn; start pulling weeds and baiting slugs.

Lastly, if you are really ambitious, now is also a good time to divide late blooming perennials, turn your compost and  carefully clean away dead plant material being careful to not uncover frost sensitive early shoots.

Whatever you choose to start, have fun!