Not only does it feel like spring, with the warm weather we are experiencing right now, it sometimes feels like summer is right around the corner.
But wait a minute…we live in the Rocky Mountain growing region. What does that mean? Well, for all of you have lived in this area for some time, you know what that means. There is more cold, snow, rain and freezing temperatures on their way.
So, what should we early gardening enthusiasts do? First, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Let’s do what we know works for mid-March gardening and landscape care in the Rocky Mountains. Most important, extra watering is extremely beneficial right now as it has been an especially dry winter. Now is great time to work on your garden clean up and soil improvement.
Secondly, let’s begin thinking about planting the plants that like it cold and will withstand the spring storms that are sure to roll in. Pansies, in containers or ground beds are the most colorful annuals to plant this time of the year. They can take it! In addition to pansies, consider snapdragons, dianthus, alyssum and dusty miller. Creek Side will offer cool season hanging baskets for display on your porch in April.
Early season perennials, shrubs and trees may be planted now if we keep them watered. The Creek Side Grown Fresh perennial crop is coming along nicely. Over 300 varieties this year including, many Plant Select varieties, which have been specifically chosen for our climate. Our growing experts are getting them ready for you and will have perennial plants available to plant in another couple of weeks.
Cool season vegetable transplants and seeds may be planted and sown now. This group includes broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, lettuce, spinach, carrots, radishes, beets and peas. But to be honest, if you wait a couple of weeks, the ground will have warmed up a little more and will advance their development. Creek Side has seed available now and will have many transplants available in a few weeks. Just in time for planting!
When we work in concert with Mother Nature, our efforts will be rewarded and your disappointments will be diminished.
