With temperatures across the state rising, some Michiganders are starting to turn their attention to their home gardens.
Emily Van Dam, owner of Redbud Landscape Management in Grand Rapids, said there are a few early steps that those who are eager to start on their garden can even while the threat of cold weather and frost persists.
“It’s a good time to start most seeds, just be careful not to get them too warm,” Van Dam.
One vegetable seed among Van Dam’s favorites to start early is tomatoes.
“It’s fun to start tomatoes early as they can easily be pinched back for a more bushy plant by the time they are ready to go out in the garden,” Van Dam said.
Van Dam also recommended cool weather vegetables such as lettuce, spinach and kale, as well as many herbs as early seed choices for those who are ready to start planting indoors.
Van Dam said gardeners can also begin getting their soil ready as soon as the ground is thawed. This can be done by picking out a good fertilizer and even adding some manure to the soil. She recommends Rosetone and Hollytone as all-around fertilizers and Dairy Doo for a high-quality manure.
Katie Romence, who co-owns Romence Gardens and Greenhouses in Grand Rapids early spring is the perfect time to start to start planning this year’s garden.
“Right now, it would be organizing in my opinion,” said Romence, “just kind of have a recipe for your future.”
Romence also suggests taking a trip to a local greenhouse to start assessing what to include in this year’s garden. The Romence Gardens greenhouse is open and growing plants year-round.
“All and all I think it’s going to be a fantastic year,” Romence said.