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Gardening

Impatience is a sign of the time of year

By MARY COLLISTER
Published March 4, 2005

This is the time of the year that I get both impatient and anxious. I'm impatient to hit all the garden centers and buy flats and flats of annuals. I'm ready to dig in the dirt and plant flowers after our short winter break. But I can't help but be a little anxious, as there is still the possibility of more cold weather. I'm going to count on the worst of our cold being past and forge ahead with adding spring color.

I must admit, the impatient aspect of my character overtook me this past weekend. I spent an hour or so cutting off all winter damage to my plants and giving them all a bit of fertilizer. I watered well those plants that are blooming such as the azalea, blueberries and my peach trees.

I did control myself and put off my trip to the garden center, not so much by choice but because I just ran out of time. Of course, that is now on the top of my list for next weekend. I actually had to run by Home Depot for an item for inside the house and managed to stay completely out of the garden center. It wasn't easy!

My petunias and violets have really started to fill in. They seemed to have enjoyed the cool weather. A little fertilizer, a little water and the forecasted warm weather should shortly have them bursting with blossoms. I plant petunias almost every winter as they consistently perform so well.

I added a variety of herbs a couple of weeks ago, and they all look great. The only herb I covered during the last cold period was the basil. I have even used some of the herbs in the kitchen. The plants received a light fertilization and a good watering.

If you plan on adding some color, herbs or other new plant material, it's not too late to prepare your soil. Add organic material, whether it has been gathered in your yard (leaves, grass clippings, etc.) or purchased as bags of compost, top soil or inexpensive potting soil. That'll get your new additions off to a great start.

I've noticed the one bed I have not mulched is drying out very quickly. This bed has had annuals and perennials planted in it for years, with buckets and buckets of organic material added over the years. So even though the soil is great, a layer of mulch will help hold the moisture in a little. I plan on just covering the bare soil in the bed with oak leaves - free and readily available. They can also be worked into the soil at a later time, which will continue to increase the fertility of the bed. This layer of leaves will also help conserve moisture.

If you have ever thought about trying a few roses in your yard, now is a good time. They are plentiful in the garden centers. Although roses have the reputation of being difficult to grow here, they can be an attractive addition to the garden with just a little extra care. It's best to give the plant a chance to get established before the hot humid summer hits us. Choose a spot that gets at least six hours of sun each day. Prepare the soil well, adding organic materials as you dig an oversized hole for the root ball. Plant the rose at the same level it is in the pot. Keep the soil moist, not soggy, until established - at least one month.

You can get both insecticide and pesticide for roses in spray cans now, which is great for just a few roses. Some grow their roses here using little or no chemicals. If this is your goal, it is important to have a rich soil, the necessary direct sunlight, light frequent fertilization, and proper watering. Wash the foliage off every couple of weeks with a strong spray of water. This will help keep the insects at bay.

This is also a good time of the year to take a few classes, and the Hillsborough County Cooperative Extension Service has a long list. On March 8, Master Gardener Kim Friedland will discuss Garden Room Design at 10 a.m. at the Austin Davis Library at 17808 Wayne Road in Odessa. If you need tips on growing begonias, Master Gardener Eileen Hart will fill you in beginning at 7 p.m. at the Jimmie Keel Library, 2902 W Bearss Ave. in Carrollwood.

Another chance to learn about Orchid Repotting and Basic Orchids takes place on March 8 at 7 p.m. at the Riverview Library, 10509 Riverview Drive, Riverview. Learn all you need to know to design that new garden you've been wanting at Landscape Design Workshop on March 10 from 9 a.m. to noon. The class is at the Hillsborough Extension, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner. Call 744-5519, ext. 144 to preregister.

If you need another option for March 10, try the Flowering Shrubs and Vines workshop at the Jan Platt Library, 10 a.m., 3910 S Manhattan. Or perhaps Backyard Bouquets at 10 a.m. at the West Gate Regional Library, 7606 Paula Drive in Tampa. Florida Lawn Care is also offered at 10 a.m. on March 10, New Tampa Library, 10001 Cross Creek Blvd., Tampa.

For more information on any of these workshops and many more call the extension service at 813 744-55419 or look online at http://hillsborough.extension.ufl.edu/HomeHort/HOME_HORTICULTURE.HTM The extension service is a great garden resource and this is a perfect time to take advantage of their expertise.

Mary Collister writes about how to garden successfully in Florida's climate and offers problem-solving tips for your home garden. Mail questions to: Mary Collister, North of Tampa, 14358-B N Dale Mabry Blvd., Tampa, FL 33618.

[Last modified March 3, 2005, 09:12:11]