JUST LOOK HOW much difference a week can make.
Already the sun has moved off it’s noon natir, the daylight length is getting measurably longer and by coincidence, the mercury in the thermometer is getting longer as well.
This welcome increase in weather means now is a great time to consider plants, perennials or bulbs that may be under your eaves, porch or other overhangs.
As the winter rains (and this year’s snow) persist, many gardeners tend to overlook the small areas where the ground is now getting quite arid. Make sure to keep these areas watered and don’t forget that Christmas tree — dead or alive.
If it is in a stand, keep it well watered and when you are ready to take it down remember these two tricks: First cut off the branches and place them on the ground over areas where bulbs or early emerging perennials, like autumn sedum, delphiniums, lupines or asters are planted. The cut pine boughs provide shade from the sun. This light mulch will protect these plants from “breaking out” too early in February and possibly avoid late-winter freeze image.
They are also an excellent particle (texture) size in compost, and this small amount will not significantly change your soil pH.
Second, once you have pruned off the branches, you can store the trunk so it will dry out for next year’s use in the fireplace. This leftover piece of firewood that you burn for the holidays in 2023 becomes the Yule Log, and you will have then recycled the whole tree.
And since we’re talking about 2023, it is time for me to make a prediction or two, and a resolution.
My crystal ball tells me that, in light of the current economic conditions and trends of healthy eating, sustainable lifestyles and having a lower carbon footprint, many more people will (or should) be growing their own food.
The pandemic ramped this up as well.
If there ever was a place on this planet for Harry and Harriet Homeowner to grow produce, then the North Olympic Peninsula is that place due to our mild weather.
Our growing season is long, so green onions, carrots, beach, leaks, radishes can all be going now in cold frames. Our cool evenings and northern latitude, with the sun low on the horizon, means your fruit and vegetables will take longer to mature and ripen. This factor translates to a higher sugar content (sweeter, crisper) and more concentrated nutrients.
Home organic vegetable gardening will be more in vogue this year, which means you need to buy supplies, seeds and materials early because the new hordes will be looking as well.
New knowledge may be needed to help with this endeavor, and lucky for you, there are a few excellent sources.
Do not miss the fabulous Northwest Flower and Garden Show at the Washington State Convention Center in Seattle, Feb. 15 through 19. This year’s theme is “Spring Vibes Only” — how cool is that?
Having been to 56 countries around the world, and being that plagiarism is the second oldest profession in the world, you do not want to miss this gardening event. It will feature the largest collection of seeds, supplies, books, speakers, information, displays and ideas you will ever encounter under one roof. Take their ideas home to your garden.
Then we can all continue to save money, eat healthier, pollute less and live better.
I wish a very Happy New Year to each and everyone of you, and may all your thumbs be green, your grass go green and no horsetail graze on your yard.
So, as always … stay well, all!
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Andrew May is a freelance writer and ornamental horticulturist who dreams of having Clallam and Jefferson counties nationally recognized as “Flower Peninsula USA.” Send him questions c/o Peninsula Daily News, P.O. Box 1330, Port Angeles, WA 98362, or email news@peninsuladailynews.com (subject line: Andrew May).
