Helpful Gardening Tips: Keeping Plants from Dying to Thriving
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WEST JACKSON — A weekend of warm temperatures have led many to roll up their sleeves and get out in the garden. The cold temperatures are returning, though as we begin that crucial transition between winter and spring. “With a few days of warm weather, it’s really got us anxious in the garden,” Jason Reeves said, Horticulturalist at the University of Tennessee Agriculture Center. “Daffodils and tulips are beginning to come up. You don’t really have to worry so much about them being cold damaged and cold tolerant. There are a lot of things you can be doing in the garden to get ready for spring,” This is a tough time for many household gardeners and commercial landscapers as temperatures continue to “roller coaster ride” out of control. Cold temperatures are returning to the region as we begin a drastic temperature swing which includes the chance for snow. This means more chances for damage to plants that have already taken a beating from the harsh temperatures earlier this winter. “One thing you don’t want to get over anxious about planting things in the garden just yet. Some of the box stores may get some plants in early. If you put them in the ground to early on those warm days once it gets cold it could be damaged,” Reeves said. There are some simple steps you can take though to prepare your plants for the cold and spring ahead. Many are cost effective which include cultural practices that can make a huge difference. “A couple things you can do in the garden to get ready for spring is cutting things back that need to be. Some good examples are evergreen ferns they’ll be putting out new growth soon. Monkey grass is another plant that needs to be cutback before that new growth appears,” says Reeves. Chemicals can also be used to fend off weeds that will begin to grow as temperatures warm up. This would be a time to apply a pre-emergent herbicide which you could find at your local home center such as a Lowes or Home Depot. Hopefully these tips will help you and your garden get through the rest of the winter ahead. Relief is on the way! By the end of next week we could see temperatures back near 60 degrees. This will give you that second chance to get out in the garden and cleanup the mess that winter has left behind.
