Although statistically speaking we use late April as our “frost free” date for Vance and Warren Counties, a peak at the ten-day forecast suggests we may be in the clear! No guarantees of course, but I would call it a low-risk bet.
As you begin making your spring planting list, please consider your local nurseries and farmers markets for your shopping! Both the Warren and Vance markets will open THIS SATURDAY, April 18th and should have a selection of vegetable and flower plants for sale. Although produce availability may be thin this early, you should also find a selection of crafts, baked goods and much more!
The Warren County Farmers Market (open 8 am to noon) is located in the BB&T parking lot just off Main St., while the Vance County Regional Farmers Market (7:30 am to 1 pm) can be found just off S. Beckford Dr. near the Social Security office (directions at http://go.ncsu.edu/VCRFM).
Also, be sure to look for the Master Gardener Information Table at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market this Saturday, and at the Warrenton Spring Fest on April 25th!
Now, here are some timely tips to start you on your spring gardening activities:
1. Begin spraying fruit trees as soon as blossoms fall.
2. If you raised your own transplants, harden them off for a couple of days before planting outdoors.
3. Sharpen your mower blade! Your turf will look better and be less susceptible to fungal disease.
4. When mixing garden chemicals, mix only what you need for that application. Leaving spray solution in the sprayer is a BAD idea!
5. The best defense against vegetable diseases is crop rotation and resistant varieties.
6. If you direct seed any vegetable crops, be sure to go back and thin to the recommended spacing.
7. When using weed control products, take great care not to allow the spray to drift onto shrubs, flowers, vegetables and fruit crops.
Happy gardening!