Get Creative... Get Cozy... - Our Town | St. James, NY

– 50–
H O M E & G A R D E N
Think Ahead...
The Month of March is Coming and So is Spring
by June Liardi
Spring is here, well, almost...
one can hope. Have you seen a
snowdrop, a robin or some silvercolored
pussy willows? Celebrate
the vernal equinox on March 20
by going for a walk in the forest
and see how many signs-of-spring
are around.
We can finally get out and get
our hands dirty. If the soil is not
too wet, you can plant peas on St.
Patrick’s Day. They are said to be
the sweetest peas of the year.
Your rose bushes can be pruned
now to encourage new growth.
Also, cut any perennials or ornamental
grasses.
You can plant seeds for spinach
outside now too. Start broccoli,
brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower
and kohlrabi seeds indoors
now. Flower seeds of asters, calendulas,
cosmos, marigolds and
zinnias can be started indoors
also. If your gardening heart is really
anxious, sow some lettuce
seeds inside on a sunny windowsill
and enjoy fresh salad
greens in no time. When you are
ready to plant your greens outside
the best trick is to practice succession
planting. Plant one row or
space and when they are about a
half inch high, plant another row.
This way you will always have
one plot of ready-to-pick greens.
If you like the patina of aged
terra-cotta pots, you do not have
to wait years, just a month or so.
You will need just three items. A
terra-cotta pot, plain yogurt and a
foam brush. Stir the yogurt then
use the brush to coat the surface
of your pot, covering it completely.
For a subtler look, soak
the pot in water for 15 minutes
first. Set it aside in a shaded place
until you get the look you like, it
should take at least a month. The
pots would look really pretty
planted with a group of lacy ferns.
You may want to start a garden
photo journal this year. Start now
continued on facing page
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