Ahhhh, Yardwork Time!

The time has come!  For some of us it is a joy to get out in the yard and get working, while others are dreading all the work to do.  Either way, lets get started….

If you are planning to plant vegetables now is the perfect time to get many of them in the ground: Peas, Potatoes, Carrots, Beets, any leafy greens, Cabbage and Onions are all happy with warm days and cool nights.  Plant in stages so you don’t have all of your produce mature at the same time.

Annuals that like the cooler temperatures can also be planted in beds or containers now.  If you use lightweight containers you can move them into a garage or covered patio if the weather takes a turn for the worse.  Snapdragons, Pansies, Dusty Miller, Dianthus, Ornamental Kale and Alyssum are all options for this time of year.

You can also get some perennials in the ground as well.  A general rule of thumb- if it is coming out in nature, it should be able to handle the weather.  Just give the plants a few days outside but protected before you plant them.  Columbine, Heuchera, Iceland Poppy, Creeping Phlox and Primrose are some examples.

If last fall you left flowers and seed heads for winter interest, it is time to cut them down.  Ornamental grasses should be sheared to 6-10″ high.  Give the garden beds a good rake to get rid of any old leaves and accumulation from the winter.  Also check trees and shrubs for damage.

With a little work now, your yard will be in good shape for the upcoming summer season!