(Chelsea Update would like to thank Jennifer Fairfield of The Garden Mill for the information in this column. This is the second part of a two-part series. Part one ran yesterday. )
You may not have been able to get to some of the things on last month’s list because it was too cold or you couldn’t get through all the snow. So, if you couldn’t or didn’t get around to some of the sprayings suggested last month, you should be able to at some point this month.
The temperatures we’re having also make for good pruning weather. It’s best to get most of your pruning done before it really starts to warm up, but it doesn’t seem like we’re in any danger of that just yet.
Ornamental grasses that were left up for winter interest should be cut back this month – though not until the snow they are buried under melts. Cut them to about 4 to 6 inches above the ground to give new growth room and sunlight.
If it warms up to near-normal temperatures by the end of the month, you can possibly consider planting out some things. I know that seems impossible to believe right now, but it might happen. Things that can take some cool temperatures and usually can get planted out in early spring are pansies, ranunculus, and primrose in the flower garden, and peas in the veggie garden.
However, don’t be in too much of a hurry. If the soil is too wet, wait a little longer to plant. Wet soil compacts too easily, and that’s not good for your plants.
For the birds: houses
This weather is not for the birds. They are enjoying it even less than we are, because they don’t have central heating in their roosts. So, continue feeding them if you are able. They will show their appreciation by putting on a colorful show for you – the reds of cardinals and blues of jays show up quite beautifully against white.
Another thing to do for birds this month is clean out their houses. They are already starting to think about looking around for good nesting sites, and they like a nice tidy house, just like we do. Actually, many birds aren’t likely to use a nesting box that has someone else’s leftover nest in it.
For the birds: habitat
And while you’re planning your garden this month, consider including some bird habitat. Can you find room in your garden for a house, feeder or birdbath (or another one)? Michigan Audubon is doing a short series of informational postings about “birdscaping” this month to help you decide what and where to put things in your garden for the birds. Here’s a link to the first part of the series. You can sign up for their email list to get the rest of the series, or check out our Facebook page.
Happy gardening.
