The Arkansas frost date of April 15 has passed by only one day, and master gardener Mary Doyle said everything has been a little late this year. Trees aren't blooming quite as brilliantly, and cold spells are still a possibility.
But when preparing a garden for spring, Doyle said there are a few steps every gardener should follow.
First, remove the weeds in the garden. Weeds compete with other plants for water and nutrients.
After weeding, mulch your garden well, she said. The mulch will help retain moisture and keep pesky weeds from returning.
"Now is a good time to plant vegetables," she said, naming beans, sweet corn, squash, cucumbers and so on.
It's also a good time for planting annuals and bedding plants, such as geraniums, marigolds and zinnias, and any herbs like basil, thyme and rosemary.
"Watch out for insects; really look over your plants for insects," Doyle said. "If you see them, use an insecticidal soap."
After the planting comes water. Each garden needs one inch of water per week, Doyle said. A good tip is to set out an empty tuna can to measure rainfall. If the can is full, there is no need to add extra water to your plants, she said.
Doyle is a member of the Bella Vista Garden Club, and said the club's website provides helpful information about all aspects of gardening.
On the site, there is information about natural, organic gardening, rain barrel construction and bird feeding.
The club's annual plant sale is also approaching, set for 8 a.m. to 1 p.m Saturday, May 3, at Village Waste Water, 380 Bella Vista Way just south of the state line. At a low price, the club will offer perennials, herbs, native plants, shrubs and trees that have been grown in local gardens. Master gardeners will also be available for answering questions.
For more information, visit the club's website at www.bellavistagardenclub.com.
General News on 04/16/2014