After a chilly winter, March has graced us with some warmer days. As a gardener, the warmer weather serves as a siren call to head back into the yard and begin preparing for the upcoming spring and summer. There are a few considerations you might want to make before diving right in, as March and early April can be a great time to take a pause for some solid planning.
Although it’s tempting to start your spring clean-up as soon as the first warm day occurs, it can often be helpful to delay some of the cleaning until a few weeks after the last frost. This way, you can be fairly certain that most pollinators have safely emerged from their winter habitats among your leaves and stems. We gain great value from having our native pollinators present. They are essential to the reproduction of most flowering plants and they significantly impact the yield of our garden, especially those of us trying to grow vegetables. Beyond the specific benefits they bring to our own gardens, they contribute to a balanced ecosystem- keep nuisance pests in check and feed our native birds.
While you’re waiting for your spring clean-up window, some things to consider for your vegetable gardens are some good companion plants. If you’re trying to grow tomatoes, peppers, beans, herbs or carrots, companion plants can be a great way to enhance that crop. There are several resources available to guide you through the plant-pairing process. Some plants simply grow well together, but the addition of, say, nasturtium to tomato plants not only adds visual appeal, but also has an added benefit of pest control. This early spring window is a great opportunity to literally map out your planting blueprint so you can hit the soil running. A good pencil sketch can help keep track of your planting or there are some go-to apps for those who want to go more “high-tech.”
As we experienced last summer, water can be unpredictable. We can find ourselves vacillating between excess water management and only weeks later, battling drought. As there’s really no predicting Mother Nature, one thing we can try to be more cognizant of is using plants and trees that are more acclimated to our climate. Our native trees, shrubs and perennials tend to be less fussy and more able to handle longer periods of dry weather. If you’re planning some new trees for shade, privacy or overall ecological benefit, consider planting a native species. Many of our local nurseries in Bucks offer native tree options. It’s also important to consider the soil and sun conditions. Is the area where you’re planting often wet? Is it full sun or partial shade? Planting the right plant or tree in the right space can make a huge difference to the plant’s longevity and the overall return you get on your investment.
Lastly, many folks are avid bird fans with a growing number of our Townships and Borough in Bucks becoming designated Bird Towns. The type of bird you’re trying to attract may factor into your plant and tree selection. You also might want to consider birdhouses, and early spring is a great time to do so. It’s always best to do a bit of research beforehand. Some birdhouses might be attractive to people, but are they functional and attractive to birds? Using an educational resource like your local extension website or a wildlife organization can give you research-backed information. If you’re doing any research on trees, plants, or attracting wildlife, using a .edu or .org website is your best strategy. Happy spring gardening, Bucks County!
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Bucks Beautiful is a grassroots non-profit that funds community garden projects, tree plantings, events and educational programs to develop sustainable and attractive landscapes fostering a healthier environment. To become a member, or contribute to the cause, please call 215-340-3639 or visit bucksbeautiful.org
