Regional Reminders
April 3, 2003
New England
By
Suzanne DeJohn,
Candler, NC
Have Soil Tested
It's a good idea to test your soil every few years to determine its nutrient status and pH (acidity/alkalinity). Your state Cooperative Extension Service can provide a reasonably priced test, and along with the results you'll get recommendations for improving the soil. The proper soil pH is especially important for plant health.
Build a Trellis
Consider "growing up" this season. While you're itching to get into the too-wet garden, buy or build a trellis. Frame your front door with a flower-laden arbor to greet visitors. Annual vines, such as morning glory, are fast growing and provide abundant flowers from midsummer until frost. While you're at it, add a trellis to the vegetable garden for pole beans and cucumbers, and to the flower garden for clematis and climbing roses.
Clean Up Garden Beds
Start raking out annual and perennial beds, gently removing heavy accumulations of wet leaves. You can leave some lighter, fluffier debris to break down and add nutrients to the soil, but compacted leaves can smother new growth. Also, cut back last year\'s perennials to within a few inches of the soil. Besides being helpful to plants, it\'s very rewarding to see the new growth emerging after a long winter.
Start a Butterfly Garden
Plant a mix of butterfly-friendly, nectar-rich, annual flowers this year, including lantana, scabiosa, verbena, asters, nicotiana, calendulas, zinnias, and salvia. Add some dill and parsley plants as food for swallowtail larvae. Minimize use of pesticides that can harm caterpillars. Remember that even organic B.t. will kill butterfly larvae as well as pests like cabbage loopers.
Harden Off Transplants
Acclimate greenhouse-grown transplants over the course of a few weeks before setting them into the garden. Begin by placing them in a sheltered spot during the day and bringing them in at night. Then gradually increase their exposure to sun, wind, and cool temperatures. Once they're in the garden, be prepared to cover them if a late cold snap threatens.
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