I don’t know when spring will be here, but I’ve noticed that the gardeners are getting ready, for when it arrives. Even though there is still lots of snow on the ground, we know that spring will be here eventually and because we have a short growing season living in the North, you want to make sure you are ready for it when it arrives. There are a few things that can be done now to help prepare for spring.

 

Spring is all about cleaning and that goes for your gardening tools too. Pruners, saws, and spades, can be cleaned, and sharpened. This goes for the lawnmower too.

 

If you noticed that the grass had rough edges after it was mowed, this is a sign that the blade was dull and should be sharpened. A properly sharpened lawnmower blade will give you a nicer looking lawn. After working on the lawnmower blade, do a tuneup on the lawnmower, changing the oil and fixing any other things that need repair.

 

Other power tools such as leaf blowers, tillers, garden tractor etc should also be checked so that they are ready to go when the weather breaks.

 

Pots, containers, trays, inserts, etc need to be cleaned before they are re-used, to get rid of any over-wintering disease and pests. The last thing you want to do is to bring last year’s problems to this year’s plants. Even if you did not have a problem last year, it is still important to clean all the containers. Use a brush and remove any dirt and/or mineral deposits. Pots are placed in a sink or bucket filled with water and 500 ml of white vinegar to soak for a few hours. Allow them to dry before stacking them again.

 

Greenhouses should also be cleaned annually. Use a mild solution of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water. Wipe down all the walls, and supports.

 

When everything is cleaned you can start sowing seeds. The seed racks have been on display in the garden centre since January and this is because there are many different varieties of flowers and vegetables that are started indoors first and then later transplanted outdoors in late May after all risk of frost has passed.

 

Some seeds such as tomatoes, peppers, geraniums, petunias and many of the perennials are started in February. There are many others such as cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, kale, brussel sprouts, and a lot of the annual flowers that are started 5-6 weeks before the last frost around the first two weeks of April.

 

If you have the space, and right growing conditions, it is well worth starting your seeds at home as it is economical, and gives you a larger selection.

 

Light is very important and there are light stands available at the garden centre which are adjustable, so, as the young seedlings grow, the light can be adjusted.

 

There are grow kits available at the garden centre that contain the necessary equipment to start your own seeds. Soil is also important when starting seeds. You want to use a light potting mix comprising of sphagnum peat moss and vermiculite and or perlite, so that the seeds germinate easily and the tender roots can grow, and it will also be sterilized to help prevent fungus and disease.

 

It looks as though we are going to have to wait a while before we can get into the garden, so any chores that are done now, will give the gardener more time to spend in the garden when spring finally arrives!

 

 

Jos Van Hage owns and operates two Art Knapp Home and Garden Centres: