Spring Garden Tips Offered

By Kristina Schnack Kotlus
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If your green thumb is looking a little black around the edges the Prince William Master Gardeners can help.

Nancy Berlin, Natural Resources Specialist for the Virginia Cooperative Extension and Master Gardener Coordinator says that the Master Gardener program exists to cultivate a joy for gardening, not just plants.  “We offer environmental education programs for all ages and skill levels, you don’t have to be a Master to get involved,” said Berlin.

Master Gardener volunteers will be teaching “Preparing a New Garden Bed” and “Getting Ready for Spring” at the Benedictine Monastery in Bristow on April 9, from 9 a.m. to noon.  They are also available at the Dale City Farmers Market to answer questions on the first and third Sunday each month of the market.

They also frequently hold seminars at Chinn Library in Woodbridge, the next one titled “Pruning: The Time is Now,” which will be held on June 20th.

If your yard won’t make it until the first Master Gardener event, Berlin offers the following easy steps to tackle your yard and garden for spring.

1. Clean Up: Old debris can harbor pests and should be disposed of says Berlin.  She also recommends ensuring your tools are sharp and your lawnmower in good repair with a sharp blade.

2. Know Your Garden: Noting and repairing any drainage issues and having your soil tested will ensure success of new plants.  Berlin says that the Cooperative Extension office in Manassas or Chinn Library have soil test kits, which home owns can mail directly to Virginia Tech for a $10 fee.

3. Cut: Pruning trees is an important part of keeping them healthy. “We will be having a pruning class on June 20 at Chinn Library for spring blooming shrubs”, notes Berlin, “but in the mean time, Virginia Tech does provide a pruning calendar online.”  Ornamental grasses should also be cut, and can be divided to give to friends or neighbors.

4. Maintain: Stay ahead of weeds by clearing them as they come.  “You want to introduce as few chemicals as possible.  However, the Extension office can offer recommendations to target specific weeds if necessary, so bring a sample to the Manassas office- Monday through Wednesday from 9-5 are best.”  Also, get in to the habit of watering 1 inch per week when there is insufficient rainfall, especially if you have new plantings.

5. Add: Once your garden and lawn are in good working order, you can start to add new plantings.  Berlin recommends native plants as they are more suited to rainfall and soil conditions.  New plantings should only be planted after the threat of frost has passed.

6. Plan for Fall: Fall is the best time to fertilize your lawn based on your soil test results.  “A BEST Lawns evaluation offered through the extension office can be a tremendous help, but we’re also here to answer questions about insects, wildlife, gardening, and lawns anytime.”

The Virginia Cooperative Extension Help Desk is staffed by Master Gardener volunteers, and can be reached by calling 703-792-7747″, shares Berlin.  This is also the number to use to register for any of the classes offered by the Virginia Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners.

Kristina Schnack Kotlus is PotomacLocal.com’s Style and Events producer and lives with her family in Woodbridge.