It’s Go Go Go Time!
Written by: Sumati Shah
If you’re an eager beaver and you’ve got your garden all ready to go then you already know what to do: just put your feet up with a cool drink (maybe that sunshine on ice) and enjoy the sunny weather.
If you’re not quite there yet and this summer weather has your green thumbs ready for action, then let’s go!
Although it isn’t “May 24” yet which we’ve adopted as the universally accepted planting date, you can play it a little loose, take small chances, and get planting.
Yes – we may still get a frost (it never seems possible after having 35 Celsius daytime temps, but it does happen) and if we do, you can protect your plants by covering them with an old sheet. Keep the weight from damaging the plants by using a few sticks or other supports to hold it up.
Large plastic bottles are great too – cut off the bottoms and use them as a cloche – this is obviously only useful if you have very few plants…or very many empty bottles.
A steady light sprinkler running will also prevent frost damage, but as prices keep rising it’s not an option I like (and I prefer to water from rain barrels whenever I can).
Some other jobs that are well timed right now includes pruning evergreens. Most have by now put out a first flush of growth and to maintain their size you can cut just behind those lovely buds. Perfect timing for collecting a harvest of pine needles which make a delicious tea!
Rose of Sharon is best pruned right now, and usually a hard pruning is well received, they’re late bloomers and fast growers so if it’s a size you like, best to cut it back before it starts showing any new growth.
Any spring bulbs who’s flowers are spent should have their tops cut off and the foliage left intact or bundled and tied in the case of daffodils that get sloppy looking. Leave the leaves until they have yellowed – they’re what feeds the bulb so your next spring flowers look great.
Lastly if you bought any spring bulbs in small pots to cheer up an indoor spot during late winter: plant them outside! Yes, they’ll be confused after having been forced to flower early, but they’ll certainly overcome it and be a welcome cheer next year.
It’s a hodge podge of odd jobs, clean up, planting, digging and pruning – enjoy the sunshine and birdsong and Go Go Green Thumbs!
