It sounds like warmer weather is on the horizon. The time for serious garden preparation is at hand!
Tom points out that over the past decade or so, there’s been a lot of interest in how we’re impacting the native pollinators. On May 1st, you can begin cutting down old plant stalks. Whether it’s Black-Eyed Susans, Day Lillies, or Echinacea, go ahead and clear the area of old growth, so the native pollinators have a chance to emerge. However, take care not to damage the shoots of the new plants that are sprouting.
If you haven’t pruned your fruit trees (apple, prune, cherry) yet, now is the time to do that. Remember to check your lawn for snow mold. It’s easy to remove snow mold with some gentle raking. Tree wrapping can come off the trees now as well.
You can begin seeding for tomatoes and peppers. Initially, this is an indoors project. Typically, in northern Minnesota you won’t till your garden until the latter part of May.
By the way, deer and rabbit droppings are good natural fertilizers for gardens and lawns.
Tom Kasper is a master gardener and the past president of the Duluth garden-flower society. Tips for Hardy Gardeners can be heard every other Tuesday morning on Northland Morning.
