Spring is close - and there’s plenty we can do while we wait.
Hello, again!
It’s easy to want to get a jump on the season - and I’m guilty of that every year. Riding last week without long sleeves felt pretty good. Three of us even squeezed in our weekly “TimbukTuesday” ride, which usually doesn’t begin until Daylight Saving Time (March 8th this year). Soon we’ll gain another hour of light for the ride - and the burger afterward. Even though we’re still about six weeks from our frost-free date, there’s plenty to do in the garden right now.
Now is the time to apply ferti-lome For All Seasons II, the first step in our Lawn Care Programs, to prevent crabgrass and other weeds before they get started. For landscape beds, Hi-Yield Turf & Ornamental Weed & Grass Stopper helps ensure a weed-free season.
The recent warm weather has me itching to dig in the dirt. I’ve planted cold-tolerant pansies and violas to bloom alongside my spring bulbs. I chose our Colossus pansy mix for its large blooms and vibrant colors to complement my tulips.
Andrew, our grower, has a good selection of cold-tolerant cole crops and cool-season greens and for early spring planting.
Broccoli & Cauliflower - We currently have broccoli ‘Destiny’ and ‘Castle Dome’, along with cauliflower ‘Snow Crown’ and ‘Flame Star’. I’m especially excited to try ‘Flame Star’ for its pastel orange color and improved heat tolerance.
Cabbage - ‘Stonehead’, an All-America Selections winner from 1969, is one of the easiest varieties to grow. It produces round, 4-6 pound heads, resists cracking and holds well in the garden.
Swiss chard - With frost protection, Swiss chard ‘Bright Lights’ and ‘Peppermint’ both offer colorful stems and ornamental appeal.
Mustard greens - ‘Southern Giant Curled’, an AAS winner from 1935, is another standout - mild, flavorful, cold-resistant and slow to bolt.
Lettuce - For patio containers or fresh salads, we’re offering three lettuces: ‘Buttercrunch’, our 'Bistro Blend', and ‘New Red Fire’, which provides crisp texture and strong bolt resistance throughout the season.
Spinach - Soon we’ll have spinach ‘Bloomsdale’ and ‘Affluence’. ‘Affluence’ offers downy mildew resistance, smooth oval leaves, and an upright habit ideal for bunching or clipping.
Now is also an excellent time to work Johnson’s Soil Recipe into garden beds. It improves soil with compost, beneficial microbes, and both fast- and slow-release fertilizers. One package covers 100 square feet and includes Cotton Burr Compost, Hi-Yield Bone Meal, ferti-lome Gardener’s Special, and ferti-lome HuMic.
Yes, spring is close - and there’s plenty we can do while we wait.
Your friend in the garden,
Marty Johnson
Owner - Johnson's Garden Centers
P.S. - Garden Rewards Points redemption starts this Friday. If you have points, use them in store to get ready for spring!
