Spring Bulbs for Pollinators by Vicky Spelman

Hiliary Halliwell - Pexels

All those bulbs you planted last Fall should be starting to pop up.  In March and April, we will still have some colder weather but the anticipation of Spring is here. As temperatures warm up pollinators will emerge from hibernation needing food sources.  Some of the earliest flowers to bloom are bulbs helping to provide the necessary nectar for hungry bees and pollinators.

Spring in the Water Garden by Nancy Steinke

Photo:  Nancy Steinke

As the snow melts and the days grow longer, water gardens come to life. As with other areas of your garden, your pond requires extra attention this time of the year. Cleaning after spring thaw, when the water temperature is 50 to 55 degrees F, removes the excess nitrogen that can lead to overgrowth of algae, or “greening”. This causes the least disruption of the colonies of beneficial bacteria, essential to maintaining a balanced ecosystem.

Houseplants bring health and enjoyment to your work and home by Joyce D’Agostino

Photo:  Joyce D’Agostino

In recent years, studies have proven how including plants to our surroundings not only helps to clean the air but to help us improve our mood, concentration and focus.

Check Your Turf for Snow Mold by Donna Duffy

Photo by Donna Duffy

Snow mold is a fungal disease that appears in late winter/early spring as the snow melts. Due to the prolonged snow cover this winter, there’s a good chance that you may find some patches of snow mold on your turf. I found several large and small patches when I walked around the (finally) snowless yard this morning.

Housebound? Grab your camera and head outside with the children by Vicky Spelman

Photo: Vicky Spelman ~ Poppies

Encourage your family and friends to garden – get them started by photographing what is going on in your yard and what you are growing.  Or what new Spring flowers are popping up.  Everyone loves seeing daffodils and the early bulbs blooming. 

Housebound? Make simple container greenhouses by Vicky Spelman

       

Courtesy Pinterest

 So, now you probably have many of your seeds started and soon the seedlings will need to be planted up to larger containers but still in need of protection.  Here are some easy to do ideas.  You probably already have the DIY containers around that would work to do this.

Housebound? DIY decorated, individualized garden markers with your children by Vicky Spelman

Photo: Vicky Spelman

So now you’ve got your vegetable garden started – either with some early plantings outside (maybe carrots and peas), some starts inside or you’re working on your garden layout and you’re going to need a way to tell all those plants and varieties apart. 

Housebound? Make a seed tape with children (or one for yourself) by Vicky Spelman

Making a seed tape is easy and a great way to plant seeds, especially little seeds like carrots.  In the photo, a paper towel was used but you could also use toilet tissue or newspaper.  You can make the strips as long as you want but shorter strips are easier to work with and handle.

Housebound? Seed starting ideas to do with children by Vicky Spelman

Pinterest

What about starting some seeds?  You probably already have DIY containers that can be utilized.  

Seeds will germinate in just about anything as long as it holds soil and provides adequate drainage.

Starting Seeds by Vicky Spelman

 Isn’t growing from seed tricky, time-consuming, need a lot of space and well, just hard work? Happily, the answer to all these questions is No! -NGB (National Garden Bureau)

Plant Peas, Please by Charlotte Glen, Extension Agent

Garden peas & their relatives, snow peas & sugar snaps, are among the earliest vegetables gardeners can plant for spring harvest. These simple & productive crops can be grown by anyone with a small sunny area & can be sown outdoors without protection in early Spring.

Basic Buzz of Beekeeping 6: PACKET INSTALLATION (Video)

Repotting Houseplants by Vicky Spelman

Courtesy Pexels

Houseplants need repotting every few years and Spring is a good time to do it.  The actively growing roots will have enough time to get established in the new potting soil.

Basic Buzz of Beekeeping 5: NUC INSTALLATION (Video)