With the unusual temperatures this week, I wonder what will happen if we continue through spring. We still have some time and we can have normal temperatures and rain. However, by the end of the month, forecasters expect it to be warmer than usual.
So what can we expect? In fact, there is little we can do. We can consider several cases.
Insects – Warm winters usually mean more insects and their eggs survive, resulting in a harsh spring. If we have a series of very cold days, this will lessen. Mosquitoes can come out early.
Ticks: When temperatures approach 50°F, ticks become active. So when you do go outside, stick to tick prevention: use medications, sprays, lotions, and treated clothing. Wear pants and long sleeves, choose bright colors. Lighter colors make ticks easier to spot. Put your clothes in a hot dryer when you move out; dry conditions are deadly to ticks. Shower and check for ticks. Remove them quickly. Loose ticks are unlikely to cause problems unless they are drenched in blood. Clean the bite marks and note the changes in the appearance of the bite marks. Avoid dense brush or tall grass. Ticks will not jump or fall from trees. They knock over the plants when they pass.
Some plants require a period of cool/cool weather and may have reduced yields. Germination can be reduced if your seeds require refrigeration; Statification is the official term.
In warm winters, trees and shrubs can grow early. It can destroy flower beds and plant growth. Wilted buds and flowers are damaged or destroyed by frost or cold. Plants can mature with pollen out of phase; Fewer fruits and seeds or, conversely, an earlier appearance of pests can increase damage in the early stages of development.
Chives can turn green sooner. If snow or frost kills the leaf, it can come back. When the flowers start to bloom, they will most likely die back rather than bloom.
Actually, you can only pay attention to the garden. Treat pests as soon as they appear and cover budding flowers when frost hits after buds begin to open. Be prepared to lose spring shrub blooms when cool temperatures return.
In the meantime, enjoy the good weather. Fran and I spent a relaxing afternoon in the bright sun. It was peaceful, relaxing and invigorating. We had to farm, but sometimes it's nice to sit and look at the garden.
The question of planting
"Do you plant seeds that need a cold snap to germinate indoors or outdoors?" Thank you so much! - Barbara
Some seeds, such as poppy seeds, require a period of cool temperatures to germinate. And when I say plant those seeds, I mean outside. This year, however, the situation is slightly below normal, with temperatures reaching 60 degrees this week. Either way, yes, plant the seeds now. Instead of planting seeds outdoors, you can store them in the refrigerator and chill them at home.
Store the seeds on a damp paper towel or in a damp garden jar. Wrap the towel or container in a plastic bag and seal it, but leave a small opening to prevent excess moisture from condensing. Store the packet in the refrigerator for a month before planting.
Get ready for the birds
Some birds are here year-round and I hope you provide them with food, water, and shelter. But you can help summer migrants whether it's in your driveway or in your garden. Clean out bird feeders, clean and consider adding feeding stations, and get those bird baths ready. Remember that in good weather, full birdbaths should be emptied every few days and the bowls brushed to remove any insect eggs or larvae. feed the birds They reward us in the garden with their songs, movements and colors, as well as their interest in garden pests.
Keep in mind that some birds like freshly sprouted seeds, so be prepared to weed or weed newly planted seeds or seedlings for several weeks. I have lost many a sunflower crop to birds, which is annoying but preventable. Adding a wire mesh or dome can save you a lot of trouble.
Sue Kittek is a freelance horticulture columnist, author and speaker. Send inquiries to Gardener at grdnkpr@gmail.com or by mail: Gardener, Morning Call, PO Box 1260, Allentown, PA 18105.
a week in the garden
Landing:
In : Starter seeds for Dianthus. Complete the planting with seeds: Ageratum, Lobelia, Scabiosa, Torenia and Verbena. Early next week: dahlias, delphinium and purslane.
Follow the schedule to start the seeds. Check the packaging for instructions for starting indoors about four weeks before the last frost. Use this calendar to calculate the appropriate departure time from your state date (April 10-15 for the southern Lehigh Valley, May 10-15 for the northern states).
Seasonal: Cut ornamental grasses. Share when you see new green growth. Check the trees and shrubs. Mark damaged branches and candidates for winter pruning. Check the correct pruning information for each plant and prune as needed and intent. Extract of African violet and geranium. Check all stored seeds for germination and replace any that have not done well this year with new ones. Look for taller plants, especially when soil temperatures range from freezing to thawing. Find the seeds of the plants you want to grow from seed. Keep driveways, sidewalks, and ponds free of dead plants and leaves. Cut the flower stalks of your amaryllis plants after the blooms have faded, but if you plan to keep them until next year, water the greenery in a warm, sunny location. Move the onions you planted this fall to squash them. When green leaves appear, they are watered and sent to the light.
Functions: Store snow shovels, shovels, scrapers and other winter tools in one convenient place. Take care of your winter clothes. Use hot gas and check for damage before or after each use. Clean growing trays and other pots. Check out spring supplies and shop as needed. Use a humidifier, humidity trays, or mist to increase humidity around houseplants. Highlight flower beds, new plantings, late spring dormant plants, and tender plants. Remove them when removing snow. Keep deer, rabbits, and grouse away from open plants. Reapply all taste and odor preservatives. Clean and refill birdhouses regularly. Clean the scattered seeds and the empty shell. Empty, clean, and fill the birdbath at least once a week. Consider a water heater to provide water when it's cold. Clean gutters and downspouts from the foundation of the house.
Tools, equipment and supplies: counting, cleaning, disinfection, conservation and storage of seeds, starting and storage. Cleaning and repair of spring-summer equipment. Replace or send for service.
Security: Quickly capture and record storm damage before it is cleaned up or repaired for insurance claims. Avoid tick and mosquito bites: Apply an insect repellent containing DEET to the skin. Apply a permethrin product to clothing. When gardening, wear light-colored clothing, long sleeves, hats, and long pants. drink enough Drink water or other decaffeinated and non-alcoholic beverages. Apply sunscreen, wear a hat, and limit sun exposure. Wear closed shoes and gloves; wear eye protection; And wear ear protection when using loud power tools.
