We are in transition in the garden right now. it’s the annual battle of patience between last years crops finishing, the variable weather, and the planting itch. those glorious 60 degree days lull us into a sense of hope and planting bravado and then the reality that it is still WINTER sets in with low snow levels and wind.
March is the magic month when the pruning has been finished and those seeds that came in the mail can finally go in the ground. Sweet, snow, and sugar snap peas, brassicas, cold lettuces, and root crops can all be put in the is month. Keep the mulch on the garden to suppress weeds and protect from those surprise frosts. Watch the weather and look for windows of temperatures over 40 degrees and those magical stretches of overcast without serious rain.
This is not the time of year to be tilling or prepping the entire garden. Place single transplants and early seeds without disturbing the majority of the garden. Use cloches or row covers when frost threatens and to protect from long periods of rain. Remember, cool weather + rain + early season = slugs. Waking up to transplants eaten to the ground is a disheartening way to start the year.
Be patient, just because March is that first possiblity for planting outdoors doesn’t necessarily mean planting will happen. As always, mother nature and the weather will rule when and what can be planted.
Still haven’t gotten to those fruit trees? One benefit of the snow is it has put fruit trees in stasis. Need a little extra help or guidance? Join Mountain View High School Horticulture and COV Urban Forestry for a hands-on pruning workshop Tuesday, March 27, 5-7pm. Workshop is free but space is limited, RSVP (360) 487-8308, jessica.antoine@cityofvancouver.us
