beware! one of the first harbingers of spring
The forsythia is blooming, bulbs have poked their heads through the soil, and the chives are reaching for the sky. Although it looks as though spring has sprung remember one simple thing: it is FEBRUARY in the Pacific Northwest, anything can happen and usually does in regards to the weather.
If seeds are burning a hole in your pocket there are a few things you can do to curb that all out planting desire while still protecting your soil and saving yourself time and money when it decides to freeze, sleet, or snow again this winter.
- Is your soil ready? Test your soil for plantability, when you put your shovel into the ground does it stick like glue? when you take a handful of soil is it like gooey playdoh? if so, your soil is NOT READY! If you choose to till or plant large amounts of space at this time you will be damaging the health of your soil, creating greater compaction, disrupting the intricate web of micro- and macro-organisms, as well as the beneficial mycorrhiza you’ve allowed to build through the winter.
- Bareroot trees and shrubs are in stores and nurseries and this is a great time to plant apples, pears, plums, blueberries, raspberry canes, and the like. Bareroot trees and shrubs planted during this time of year benefit from the cool weather inhibiting bud growth while the wet soil encourages root development. When planting add compost to the soil as well as bone meal which aids root development and kelp meal which decreases plant stress during transplanting.
- Prepare for native bees. The Pacific Northwest region boasts more than 450 species of native bees. The most common for the backyard gardener is the Mason Bee. Plan for these bees now as they will be emerging during February and March. Mason bees are 100x more efficient at pollinating than honeybees, are less susceptible to diseases, and work even during cold and wet weather. Washougal resident Sherian Wright has recently published a book on these fascintating bees that will be available at the Backyard Birdshop.
- Planting early greens. If you just can’t wait to plant try winter greens, lettuces, and scallions in a protected area of your garden, under row covers, or in a cold-frame. They key is to disrupt your soil as little as possible, provide as much sunlight as available, protect from cold evenings, and be prepared for slugs.
