Because it has been a very snow-filled winter in the area, many Chattanoogans are eagerly awaiting spring. To get in the warm-weather mindset, Tim Holcomb, owner of Holcomb Garden Center, suggests planning your spring garden.
"The first sunny day that it hits 60 degrees, you will be outside hunting something to do, so make your game plan now for a very productive spring," Holcomb said. "These are five tips to help you start off on the right foot, so when spring comes you can get maximum enjoyment."
A series of lawn and garden classes, which start Friday, will give you more ideas. Visit holcombgc.com for times and dates.
FIVE TIPS
1. Make a planting list. Look around your lawn and landscape to see where it can use some extra attention. Maybe a shade tree or a group of roses is in order. Make a list of flowers, herbs and vegetables that you want to try this spring. Consider trying the Redhead sun coleus, SunPatiens, or planting some heirloom tomatoes this year. Planting potatoes, peas and onions early will allow time for another crop of squash, bean or cucumbers a little later in the spring. A little planning now can greatly increase your harvest this year.
2. Make sure your tools are ready for spring. Take time to start your mowers, tillers and/or blowers to make sure they are ready to go. If you have trouble starting them, then now is the time to get them serviced before the shops are covered up. Check your pruners, rakes and shovels. Are they worn out and needing to be replaced? Now is the time to do it.
3. Prepare the garden soil. If your garden is dry enough, till it up to kill any winter weeds. Even if your soil is too wet, go ahead and test the soil's pH. You can buy a pH meter or take in a quart of moist soil to either Holcomb location (Hixson and Fort Oglethorpe) for a free check of the soil's acidity level. Soil that is too acid or too alkaline will not allow good results. Now is the time to test and correct before spring.
4. Warm the soil. If your garden is too wet to till, you can cover areas with black plastic. The lack of light will kill most weeds, and the black color will increase the warming of the soil. Many times, early planted tomatoes or peppers seem to just sit there and not grow. Generally it's because the soil temperature is still a little too cool. Covering a planting area with black plastic for several weeks will greatly speed up the warming process, allowing much quicker root growth.
5. Start pruning now. This is the time to prune fruit trees, grapevines and cut back many perennials. Wait until March to cut back roses, hollies and other evergreens. The general rule is to not trim off more than one-third of the plant; however, cut your roses back to 18 inches tall in March. Be sure that you do not prune azaleas, forsythia and other early-blooming shrubs until after they bloom this spring.
Contact Karen Nazor Hill at khill@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6396.