Ready, Set, Don’t Go Gardening Yet – Ag Matters

With a run of great weather coming over the next few days, you may be tempted to get in the garden. The Master Gardeners at Cornell Cooperative Extension say don't go just yet. The experts do offer some tips on what you should be doing now to get ready.
Resist the urge to start too early, it's important that the soil be workable. It has to be dried out sufficiently and be warm enough, about 50 degrees, before you plant.  However there are things you can be doing to prepare for breaking ground.

Clear Winter Damage

Clean up and remove any winter debris. In the absence of rain, salt residue can be flushed out by soaking the area a few times with a hose. For shrubs and trees, prune out any winter damaged branches. Plants that have "heaved" from the freezing and thawing action of soil can be replanted as soon as the soil is workable. Carefully rake your lawn and remove any gravel left by snowplows and lightly rake any "dead" patches. Don't walk on your gardens/lawn if the soil is still wet. You don't want to compress the soil and destroy its structure.

Cut Back

You can start to cut back any ornamental grasses or perennials that were left up for winter interest. Do this before new growth gets more than a few inches high so that you don't damage new growth trying to remove the old.

Pruning

Many trees and shrubs, including fruits, can be pruned now. Fruits should be pruned before bud break. Brambles like raspberries and blackberries can also be pruned now. As a general rule, you do NOT want to prune shrubs or trees which bloom in spring. For example, if you prune a lilac now, you will sacrifice flowers for this year.

Garden Planning

Plan now. Pick the vegetable varieties you want to try, add a new perennial or shrub, consider a new garden space, container or raised bed. Be ready when your favorite garden center opens for the season.

You can speak directly to one of the master gardeners by calling the hotline Wednesdays or Fridays between 9am and noon, 315-736-3394.

SOURCE: Cornell Cooperative Extension