Spring 2012 Update 2

The farm store opens April 1st – no fooling! Stop in for gardening supplies, compost, fertilizer, seeds, spring flowers and more. The warm weather probably has you thinking it’s time to plant the garden but vegetable seeds are just getting started in the greenhouses. We could still have cold spells in April and frost potential into May. And as you’ve probably heard by now the warm weather could introduce a host of issues with your lawn, berry bushes and fruit trees. Winter moth is a major concern in the south eastern part of the state. The caterpillar (approx. 1 inch long when mature, pale green with a white stripe running longitudinally down the body side) will hatch in the March/April timeframe and will be hungry. A number of internet sites can be found to familiarize yourself with this pest and its control. If you choose to hire anyone to apply pesticide or other controls, be sure they are a professional arborist or otherwise trained/licensed so as not to damage your landscape. The time to prune fruit trees is nearing an end however blueberry pruning can still be performed while the plants are dormant. Do not prune evergreens or flowering shrubs except to remove dead or winter damaged branches. A good lawn care program should begin in earnest starting with raking, weed and pest control. Remove dead or left over plant matter from the garden and work in lime, decomposed compost and/or manure so you’re ready for planting in May or June. Compost and manure will help retain moisture in the garden which is important since it’s looking like we could have a dry season. It’s been a nice easy winter this year so I hope you’re all rested up for the work yet to come. Looking forward to a successful growing season…~Smith.