The days are changing and it feels like spring is around the corner. The old adage, 鈥淢arch comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb鈥� is often fairly accurate in Squamish. Although we are itching to get our hands dirty outside, I caution gardeners to move into March slowly and carefully.
I have been removing some winter debris and targeting early bloomers for cutback. Euphorbia, Russian sage and ornamental grasses all grow tidier with some early pruning. You can also cut back evergreen foliage plants like hellebores, asarum (European ginger), epimedium and ratty leaves on heuchera. All of these evergreens will send up a beautiful flush of new leaves, and pruning will give you the opportunity to enjoy the early flowers.
In the veggie garden, I have planted potatoes, shallot and onion bulbs, spinach and peas. We are still eating our overwintered kale and herbs. I鈥檓 hoping to get some early lettuce, radish and spinach in next week. For a detailed list of what to plant and what seeds to start now, check out West Coast Seeds鈥� online gardening guide www.westcoastseeds.com. Even if you don鈥檛 buy their seeds, the online growing chart is a great reference for seeds in our coastal climate.
An important early season tip to remember is to try not to tread to hard or deeply in soggy soil (this is where raised beds come in very handy). There is no need for deep cultivation and digging in wet soil. Soil can compact easily at this time of year, and too much activity breaks down soil structure.
Indoor activities like seed starting, cleaning and sharpening of tools and attending garden talks are all good gardening activities on rainy, grey days.
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Gardening speaker
The Squamish Garden Club is hosting guest speaker Marianne Binetti at the Eagle Eye Theatre on Monday, March 21 at 7 p.m. Her presentation, entitled 鈥淲eed Wars, Winning the Battle Without Upsetting Mother Nature,鈥� will appeal to gardeners of all ages and abilities.
Binetti takes a practical and humorous look at controlling ever present weeds. Did you know you can eradicate certain weeds by eating them? Learn about what weeds are trying to tell you about your soil, and why some 鈥渙rganic鈥� weed killers may be doing more harm than good.听
Tickets are available at Billies Flower House and at the door.
The Squamish Garden Club has many knowledgeable, fun members. The group meets the third Monday of every month at 6:45 p.m. at the Sandman Hotel 鈥� except December and August. The club sponsors many great events, activities and speakers. I have joined them a few times on its annual trip to the Pacific Northwest Flower and Garden show.听
Check out the website for ticket specifics and information about the club: www.squamishgardeners.com.
