The Vegas Voice 3-21

Preparing for Spring
By: Howard Galin / Happy Gardening
March is the first full month of “Growing
Season 2021” and there are many projects
to start. In order to be organized, divide these
activities into three categories.
1. Soil/Ground: If you have not already done so, it is time to add
needed nutrients to your soil for the new season. First apply all-purpose
fertilizer such as Miracle Gro throughout your garden.
In addition, I recommend high phosphorous additives be added
around all flowering plants and bushes. There are specialized fertilizers
for cactus, succulents, palms, fruits and vegetables that should also be
applied. In addition, all rose bushes should get treated with Epsom Salt
to provide needed magnesium sulphate to the roots.
If you’re planning to add new rock mulch to your garden, first apply
sulfur in order to lower the pH levels. If you are adding organic mulch,
remember to first treat the soil with diatomaceous soil (available at
gardening centers) to prevent roach, spider, scorpion, slug and grub
infestation caused by the damp decomposing organic matter.
2. Watering/Irrigation: Spring irrigation scheduling begins in
March. Remember to reset your timers for three days a week. Check the
underground irrigation valve box for leaks and apply the diatomaceous
soil inside the box to keep scorpions and Black Widow Spiders away.
You should check your drip system for damage and replace where
necessary. Clogged drip emitters can be cleaned by removing the
emitters and soaking them in vinegar overnight.
Choose where new plantings will be situated and add new irrigation
tubing and emitters. Make sure that all irrigation tubing is properly
buried in the ground (approximately 2 inches) since rabbits, rats, and
mice will chew into exposed tubing to access water.
3. Planting: The earlier you get your plants into the ground, the
more time they will have to establish strong roots and vibrant growth.
In order to prevent cold weather frost damage, place Styrofoam cups
over young plants transplanted from flats.
This is especially important at night during the early part of the
month. By month’s end, warmer evenings will arrive.
Have a question? Contact me at: Theplantwhisperer28@gmail.com
Howard Galin, a/k/a: “The Plant Whisperer” is a retired NYC
school administrator, transplanted in Las Vegas who devotes his
time to communicating with and lecturing about our native
plants.
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