Finally, the hazy, lazy days of summer have arrived – something many of us longed for during those chilly days last winter! The temperatures are warm, the days are long and hopefully the rain is ample! The heat and humidity have certainly returned too, so try to garden during the cooler temperatures of the early mornings and evenings. Keep records on daily temperatures and rainfall, since summers’ heat and night-time temperatures impact a plant as much as winters’ cold. Always remember to wear a big hat, apply ample sunscreen to exposed skin and drink plenty of water while you garden!…
Bruce Crawford
Summer has arrived! The days are wonderfully long, rain has proven to be a little shy to date, and the temperatures promise to become more summer-like as the month progresses. June is filled with chores that linger from spring, as well as preparations necessary for the garden to continue to thrive well into late fall. As the temperatures rise, enjoy the coolness of the early morning and evenings for those tasks requiring the most exertion, with the heat of the day reserved for lighter duties…
With the windy chill of late March and the showers of April behind us, early May looks to provide a wonderful assortment of spring blooming plants. The unusually warm winter and early spring has definitely pushed many plants into an earlier bloom period, but hopefully seasonal temperatures will dominate for May. May is always a hectic month, so take the time to make notes in your journal and enjoy long evening strolls with your favorite beverage to smell and enjoy the fruits of your efforts…
COVID certainly changed our lives in many negative ways yet, one positive change remains our renewed interest in gardening for both exercise and fresh air. Many of us have come to appreciate the beauty of plants and the calming act of working in the soil. Winter sales of vegetable and annual seeds continue to remain strong as we eagerly await the warmer days of April for seeding! As the sun and warmth of April unfold, take a deep breath and prioritize what must be completed vs. what could be postponed for a day or two. Also, spring is a time to begin anew, so give thought on…
March can be such a finicky month! Several years ago, there was a long warm spell followed by two nights of extremely cold temperatures. The result was a massive dieback of Hydrangeas and a resulting loss of blooms for that year! Some years we see snow storm after snow storm, while some years it is merely rain. So far it has been a somewhat warmer winter with less than average snowfall. Keep referring to your notes or diary from last year as to when you sowed seed and performed other chores as you need not reinvent the wheel.
