SPRING


Finding the right plants makes all the difference


DEAN CURTIS


by Juliana Goodwin photos by Dean Curtis


M


arch 20 signals the first glorious day of spring — a time for growth and new beginnings.


The month of March is actually named after Mars, the Roman


god of war. Traditionally, this month was a time to renew military campaigns that had been slowed or halted by winter.


Today, most of us see spring as a time to start digging in the dirt and tending to our gardens, and while spring is the perfect time to start planting, you don’t want to rush into it, warn experts.


“Don’t be in too big of a hurry because a lot of times being in a hurry will make you plant twice, because you froze them up,” said Penne Wooldridge, co-owner, Carl Wayne's Nurseries, 1151 E. 9th St., Mountain Home.


Even though people get spring fever and are eager to start their garden, April is a better time to plant. However, fret not because there is plenty you can do this month to get ready for spring planting. A garden is a season or seasons-long process, and it takes planning and trial and error for success. Experts offer these tips on how to get started.


Getting Started


Now is a good time to take preventative measures.


“You might want a preemergent to keep weeds in check. Spray fruit trees with dormant spray — oil based —that keeps bugs from adhering to tree and latching on. You can do that now,” said Wooldridge.


A preemergent lawn care product eliminates weeds before the seeds starts to germinate.


Before you invest a lot in your yard, get a soil test, suggested Mark Keaton, Baxter County Cooperative Extension agent.


“We do that year round. The soil test will tell you how to fertilize and how your pH is, so it’s always good to have current soil test results so you know what you need to do,” Keaton said.


Soil tests from the extension are free and


Below: Very hardy plants can be planted 4-6 weeks before the frost free date and that includes lettuce.


Above: Dwarf Yaupon Holly is an evergreen shrub with tight branches that create a spreading mound excellent for low hedges, borders, or around foundations.


Above, Left: A hardy leaf vegetable, mustard greens handle the cold.


Left: The Botanical Garden of the Ozarks is a collection of 12 themed gardens and attracts more than 80,000 visitors a year. It is also home to the region’s only butterfly house.


ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF PARKS & TOURISM 18 Living Well i March/April 2017 JULIANA GOODWIN Living Well i March/April 2017 19


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