As soon as the weather permits, and the soil is not too damp, rake winter debris from lawns and flower beds. A bamboo, or other springy type, rake is less likely to tear sod.
When shopping for fruit trees, be sure to visit a local, full-service nursery/garden center near your home where trained professionals can help you choose the best trees for your location. Consider a young, bare-root tree that is 1-2 years old and 4’-6’ tall. They become established sooner, grow faster and usually bear fruit earlier than a large tree that require more time to establish its large root system.
If planting fruit bushes or fruit trees is a consideration for your landscape this year, keep a few things in mind when planning. Make sure you have enough space; decide which fruits you like and which fruits you would like to grow; perform a soil test; make sure the site you have chosen has enough sun and good air circulation; finally, make a plan to scale.
Consider using a small fan to help circulate the air among indoor houseplants. Your orchids will especially appreciate it.
African violets will tell us, if we listen, what they need. Long, upward-pointed leafstalks are telling us that the light is too weak and yellow-reddish leaves and hanging leafstalks mean the light is too strong. Choose an east or west window for just the right amount of light. Don’t let the soil dry completely between watering and use a weak dose of fertilizer weekly.
Vegetable gardeners that live in climates with a shorter growing season will be excited about a new cayenne pepper. ‘Red Ember’ matures early and produces hot, bright-red peppers approximately two weeks earlier than the other cayenne varieties. Peppers grow 4 ½” long and 1” wide.
If space is limited in the vegetable garden, avoid crops such as pumpkins, sweet corn, winter squash and melons. All of these require ample room to grow.
Plant Something Massachusetts is a project of Massachusetts Nursery and Landscape Association, and was originally established in partnership with Massachusetts Flower Growers’ Association.
