GARDEN PREPARATION: APRIL

Garlic getting a head start.

SPRING - To see daffodils blooming, garlic sprouting, weeds awakening and woodchucks  roaming  does remind me that some things still seem to be mostly predictable in this world... 

I had almost become reconciled with the idea that I would not be be able to start  tomatoes and peppers under my cellar's grow lights  when three weeks ago my spouse and I decided to cancel our spring travel plans.  With our trip canceled thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, I now find myself anxiously waiting for a shipment of last minute ordered seeds to arrive so that I can get back to a familiar task.

And, between a few early spring showers I have also been able to spend some of my hunker down time in the garden.  I have been able to move mulch around on planting beds to expedite the soil's warming, relocate trellises and frames for cucumbers and peas and to finish spreading compost.  Each of these activities make me realize how fortunate I am to have a vegetable garden to work in; but in case  you have a slightly neglected vegetable patch, here are a few things you can do that might make you feel slightly less squirrelly:

• Get outside! Finish spreading your compost or spading  the remains of last fall's cover crop into your planting beds.

• Check your soil's temperature and moisture level. Your soil might feel warm enough to the touch, but it's better to stick a thermometer into the ground to check it. Remember, also, that soil tends to be  quite wet in early spring. Pick up a handful; and if it slowly crumbles like a strudel topping on muffins when you open your hand, then it's okay for your precious seeds.

• Finally,  give in to that urge to plant something. Although early April is still pushing it for most spring vegetables in the Capital District, you can sow peas and spinach.  Just hold off on the radishes, lettuce and beets until at least mid April. But, gardeners beware - because although  it is true that the last frost of spring has been moving to earlier dates in May, the average date of the last frost for our area remains May 15.  Keep your row covers handy!

WANT TO BECOME A MASTER GARDENER?

A Master Gardener gives planting tips at a Demonstration Garden

Nationally, there are nearly 100,000 active Master Gardener volunteers  contributing over 5 million service hours annually throughout all 50 of the United States. If you would like to join the ranks of these happy folks, here's your chance.

The first step in becoming a Master Gardener involves your contacting the Master Gardener Coordinator for your county to schedule an interview.

The second step is completing  60 hours of classroom instruction on gardening and related subjects taught by Extension Educators and other experts.

The final step upon class graduation involves your volunteering in various ways in your communities. This  may include such activities as leading or participating in local gardening projects such as Demonstration Gardens, answering gardening questions at Extension Hotlines or making presentations to various community groups such as local garden clubs. 

Don't wait.  The  next training class will be held between September and December, 2020.  The deadline to apply for an interview is in early summer.




For more information, contact the Master Gardener Coordinator listed below for your county.

        RENSSELAER:  David Chinery, (518) 272-4210 or dhc3@cornell.edu

       ALBANY:  Carole Henry, (518) 765-3500 or ch878@cornell.edu

       SCHENECTADY: Angela Tompkins, (518 372-1622 or amj22@cornell.edu

       COLUMBIA-GREENE: Donna Peterson, (518) 828-3346 or dmp234@cornell.edu



And remember...

"Gardening is cheaper than therapy and you get tomatoes." - unknown