Calgary's Landscaper A Green Future: Surviving March as an Impatient Gardener
March can be a frustrating time for gardeners in Calgary. The snow begins to melt, and we eagerly look for signs of spring, only to realize that the gardening season is still a few weeks away. As we anxiously wait for the official start of spring, there are still some tasks we can do to prepare for the upcoming season.
If you're like me, you're already planning how to alter your existing bedlines or plant structure. It's never too early to start sketching out your ideas on paper. Planning is key to successful gardening, and the more time you spend on it, the better your garden will look in the long run.
As temperatures rise, resist the temptation to run out and clean up leaves and cut back perennials. Many critters and insects rely on that debris for cover, bedding, and food. Wait until just before new growth starts to emerge, ideally into April if the weather stays cold. However, warmer temps do make it easier to do some last-minute dormant pruning of trees and shrubs. Just be sure to wait a bit on early spring-blooming shrubs like forsythia and lilac, as you don't want to prune off the flower buds and miss the show.
If you compost, head out to your pile and give it a good stir. It may now be soft enough for a good turning, and everyone will thank you, as a well-mixed pile smells much better than one that just sits.
Although we call the vernal equinox the first day of spring, March is still winter in Calgary. I hope these tips help you survive the final days of winter and prepare for the upcoming gardening season. Remember, a little patience and planning will go a long way towards creating a beautiful, sustainable garden in Calgary.