Winter is finally here and we have several weeks to get some things completed before we get into the spring season.

Dormant seeding- There are only two really good times to plant grass seed during the year. The best time is the August / September period. The next best time is right now. If you have thin or bare spots in the yard that you would like to look better you have the next 4 to 6 weeks to take advantage of the freezing and thawing that occurs at this time of the year. This freezing and thawing helps the seed get in good contact with the soil. Seed contact with the soil is essential for germination which will take place as soon as the soil warms later in spring. Crabgrass control will need to be used to prevent this weed from taking over the new grass seedlings in June. The crabgrass preventer MUST be the type that will allow the good grass seed to grow. This “preventer” is the one with the “brain” and will cost more than the regular crabgrass control.

If you haven’t pruned your fruit trees and berries this is a good time to do that. If you need some information, Google ‘pruning’, and the name of whatever plant you’re getting ready to work on.

What about your lawn mower, have you changed the oil and spark plug, cleaned the air filter and sharpened the blade? If you need to get your mower into the shop, it’s a good time to do that before the procrastinator rush. If you wait too long, you could be delayed in getting your mower back and, therefore, a little late for that first cut when the grass is growing like crazy in early spring.

This time of year is also an ideal time to get more information about some of the basics in gardening or just to learn about fun stuff. Keep an eye open for seminars and workshops offered by local nurseries/garden centers or county extension offices in the area. These sessions are very informative and many times entertaining. Go to websites of different organizations to check out what is being offered in the area and sign up early as space may be limited. Meadow View will be offering various gardening classes such as vertical gardening, miniature or fairy gardens and gardening with succulents this March. People love to sign up to do these with a friend or family member. We’ll also have sessions on owning bee hives, Monarch butterflies and other pollinators, interacting with coyotes and tomato gardening so you can decide what it is you need to do to have a successful gardening season. Watch our homepage or Seminars and Workshops page for more information.

Seed racks will be ready soon. It would be a good idea to make your selections early so you have the choices you would like to have.

Happy New Year and the best gardening year ever!