Launched in 2008, North Bridge Magazine is a twice-yearly publication tailored to Acton, Carlisle, Concord, Lincoln, Sudbury & Wayland residents and edited to enrich the experience of living in six of Massachusetts' most desirable communities.
Issue link: http://northbridgemagazine.epubxp.com/i/118939
Chores in Store Before the gardening season begins in earnest, you may want to consider the following chores: ��� Stroll around your property. You will probably notice the results of the past winter���s storms, which were quite severe. There may be broken branches still around, so do a general tidy up. Also, look for mice, rabbit, deer, or vole damage ��� the latter often tunnel underground. ��� If you have compost ready, spread it on the vegetable patch, perennial beds, or mixed DAVID WETHERBEE borders, raking it in lightly. ��� Now is a good time to repot houseplants, especially if you find roots along the soil surface or coming through the drainage holes. A few other signs indicating a need to repot are: stunted foliage, yellowing lower leaves, and wilting between waterings. ��� Get a soil test done. Spring is a perfect time, and it���s a good idea to do it every three to five years just to check for deficiencies or excesses in your soil. ��� Sow your lettuce seeds in early spring, but wait until the soil warms (45 degrees F at least) to plant peas. ��� Cut back ornamental grasses four to six inches from the ground if you left them intact from last season; it���s also a good time to divide them if they are outgrowing their space. ��� Cut back any perennials that were left unshorn in the fall. The birds will have enjoyed the seedheads over the winter. ��� Prune back butterfly bush and bluebeard (Caryopteris) before new growth begins. ��� Edge and weed beds and borders for a neater appearance. ��� Make sure any trees and shrubs planted in the autumn get supplemental watering for their first year to ensure they establish well. ��� If you didn���t fertilize your lawn in the fall, spring is the second best time to do it. However, DO follow the product instructions, as too much nitrogen makes the grass susceptible to lawn disease. If you fertilized in the fall, skip it now and enjoy the head start. Remember to mow high and make sure the blades are sharp. ��� If you are tired of mowing grass, consider a wildflower meadow. It���s a bit of work to plant and establish but rewarding when in bloom. good option. Misting provides only temporary moisture, lasting just a couple of hours. ��� FERTILIZER ��� follow the old adage of ���weakly, weekly.��� Use a liquid fertilizer at half strength once weekly during the active growing season, spring through fall, but none in winter. While you await the spring blooms outdoors, treat yourself to one of these exotic beauties for your indoor garden. You won���t be disappointed. ��� RUTH FURMAN is a Massachusetts Certified Horticulturist (MCH). She trained in horticulture in England and spent many happy years working and gardening there. SPRING/SUMMER 2013 ��� north bridge magazine ��� 9