Q– When can I start seeds indoors?
A– Sprouts and microgreens can be started anytime through February (and earlier). However, most of the month is still too early to start seeds indoors. Some seeds can be started by the end of the month, but early March is best for certain seeds like members of the onion genus, for example. Others are pansies and perennials, but it should be noted that many perennials started from seed may not flower for the first season after seeding. Use grow lights for best results any time you start transplants indoors, as most people do not get enough natural light from their windows. Start a regular fertilizer schedule as soon as the first true leaves are well developed. Do not start warm-season plants like tomatoes yet, as you will have a tough time keeping them healthy until time to plant them outside.(see March questions). When in doubt, refer to the back of the seed packet for proper planting instruction.
Q– When can I start pruning my fruit trees and other trees and shrubs?
A– Wait until the end of March or first of April, before the first buds open. Pruning now can encourage disease problems. You may see pruning being done in commercial orchards earlier than March, but their schedule is not appropriate for the home landscape. Stop pruning mid-April through early June, because sap is running too freely during those weeks.
Q– When is the best time to repot houseplants? What should I know about repotting? When should I start fertilizing houseplants for the coming growing season?
A– Unless the plant is overgrown, wait until late winter or early spring to repot. If it is a flowering plant, you may want to wait until the plant is between flowering cycles. Usually, plant into the next size (both width and depth) pot, rather than making a big increase in the pot size. Don’t pack the new soil down hard, but settle it in well, so that no air pockets remain. Watering will help settle the soil. Fertilize about once a month through the winter months and into early spring if your plant is actively growing. If dormant, or if growth has slowed, begin fertilizing again in early spring, usually around early March.
Q– What are those light-colored, small clusters of dead leaves in the branches of deciduous trees?
A– At this time of year, we can see browntail moth cocoons, which are made from small clusters of tree leaves that still cling to twigs. These moths have been around for a long time, but we are seeing more of them in recent years. They have spread through most of Maine. Although caterpillars cause damage to trees, they also harm people. Caterpillars, and moths to a lesser degree, have toxic hairs that are shed into the environment and can cause poison-ivy like rashes and breathing problems. For more information see our blog.
Timely Tips:
-Plan your garden and buy seeds.
-Clean, disinfect and sharpen tools.
-Check bark on trees and shrubs for insect eggs; destroy now before they hatch.
-Start begonia tubers
-Cut branches from spring-flowering shrubs, place freshly cut stems in a large vase of warm water in a sunny room and watch them bloom.
-Start seedlings that require a long growing period.
-Check out Longfellow’s late winter events.
-Repot overgrown houseplants.
-Start new houseplants from cuttings or offsets.
-Enjoy the longer hours of sunlight!
-Look for browntail moth cocoons, especially in oaks, fruit, crabapple and sometimes other trees. If you can safely reach the cocoons, snip out the infested twigs and immerse them in a pail of soapy water.