Experts share benefits of preparing early for springtime planting
By Julia Boyle
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE
While working as a chief financial officer near the New York Botanical Garden, Mel Williams developed a flair for flowers. And all types of plants, for that matter.
He and his wife grew flowers and vegetables at home, but he really honed his skills by taking botany classes at the Garden and becoming a docent—a volunteer tour guide for visitors to the 250 acres of spectacular foliage. Eventually, Williams became a Master Gardener where he learned plant biology, propagation, soil science, and disease and pest control.
From spring to fall, his expertise shows in the community gardens at Cedar Crest, in Pompton Plains, N.J. Colorful daffodils, orient lilies, hibiscus, and dahlias brighten the space between other patches full of ripening vegetables and fragrant green herbs.
But when the leaves began to change to shades of ruby and rust, Williams transitioned some of his plants from outdoors to in and closed down his garden patch for the winter season. Now that spring is just around the corner, he’s already doing some indoor prep work to get a head start on this year’s garden.
“Late March is a good time to start potting, watering, and fertilizing any plant cuttings you started from your summer garden so that by the last frost date, normally in mid-May, they will be ready to go outside,” he says.
Transitioning the seasons
Alan Gold, grounds supervisor at Cedar Crest and former landscaper, says March is also a good time to prepare the soil in your outdoor garden. “The first signs of spring are a good time to remove all dead weeds and plants from last season, cultivate the soil by turning it, and take a soil sample,” he says.
A sample, which you can take to your local agriculture extension service, will help you determine the soil’s pH level and how much fertilizer it needs to grow healthy plants. If you live in or around Pompton Plains, call the Morris County Master Gardener Helpline at 973-285-8300.