It is later than you think! During thaws along the Ohio River the sap is already stirring.
Starting Seeds Indoors
The inexperienced gardener should not attempt to start seeds indoors unless a really sunny window is available. Poor transplants make slower progress in the garden than do seedlings sown directly where they are to grow.
In less than three months many of the slow-growing annuals will have to be set out; many of these take the full three months to reach transplanting size. Those that should have been started last month include Vinca rosea, double petunias, fibrous and tuberous begonias, ageratum, coleus, nierembergia, salvia, torenia and annual pinks.
If they are not already started, sow them now in individual fiber pots. Later the seedlings can he set out, pot and all, without suffering shock.
Examining Stored Gladiolus And Dahlias
A good trick with gladiolus is to bring the stored corms into a warm room, about 50° to 55°, for about a week. This will activate the dormant thrips on the corms. Then when the corms are again put back into storage at 35° to 40°, the thrips will be killed.
The dahlias should be examined for signs of shriveling. If the tuber divisions need moistening, dip them in water and, without shaking off the excess water, return them to storage.
Forcing Dandelions And Rhubarb
Ever eat forced dandelion tops? They are delicious in salad. During a thaw dig out a few dandelion roots from the lawn or garden. Lay them on sand in a dark 50°- to 55°-cellar. Then cover them with damp sand. The tops will grow into a tangle of blanched leaves.
Do you like forced rhubarb? Knock out the heads of a wooden barrel and set it over an old rhubarb clump in the garden. Pack fresh manure around the barrel and cover with straw. If you can’t obtain manure, use straw and leaves, to which a chemical fertilizer and a commercial bacterial culture has been added.
Applying Fertilizers
To save time later, spread lawn and garden fertilizers on frozen soil. During the next thaw it will be “mudded in.” However, on light sandy soils, where the nutrients leach away readily, this practice is not recommended.
A Gardener’s Valentine’s Day
Bulbs that are being forced to bloom on Valentine’s Day should have at least 3 inches of top growth. If they don’t, forget your well-meant plans and save the bulbs for later use.
A real Valentine is a red hybrid amaryllis bulb. It costs no more than a box of candy and lasts longer.
Giving Peaked House Plants New Life
After a hard winter house plants may look peaked. A prescription that usually works well in bringing about their recovery is to reduce the amount of water and fertilizer they receive, increase the amount of light and see that the room temperature isn’t too high.
Caring For Bedding Plant Stock
If you carried over stock plants of geraniums, verbenas, double petunias and other bedding plants, now is the time to get them in shape so they’ll provide plenty of cuttings. Cut back the old tops, give the plants more fertilizer, heat and water and set them in the brightest available spot. New shoots will appear on the plants in three to four weeks.
Inspecting The Perennial Border
During thaws inspect the perennial border, pressing back any plants that have been heaved from the ground by alternate freezes and thaws. Irises planted last summer are particularly likely to pop out of the ground.
Questions of the Month
Question: What is the earliest flower to bloom in the spring?
Answer: Usually the vernal witch-hazel is the earliest flower to appear. The snowdrops and Crocus aureus are usually the first herbaceous plants to bloom.