Some Garden Talk

Well, the new year is upon us, and the weather is here, folks! We've been experiencing above average temps here at the beach, after a week of cold nights and light freezes and now it looks as if this weekend will offer some early yard-working opportunities.

It's time for us to plant those spring flowering bulbs (if you live here in N.Fl./ S.Ga., you should have had them chilled in the fridge for the past 8 weeks) and transplant any plants you want moved for the upcoming spring. Now is also the time to plant your balled and burlap-wrapped plants and trees. Remember that water is the difference between a successful transplant and a failed one; make sure to keep the plant moist, but not wet. And, don't prune them, except to remove dead or diseased areas. In fact, you should avoid pruning any spring-blooming plants, such as azaleas or redbuds, and only prune dormant shade and fruit trees. I don't grow roses, but I'm told that they can be pruned in late January, as well.

Some of the annuals that can be planted now are carnations, delphiniums, foxgloves, pansies, petunias, and snapdragons.
If you want to plant peppers and tomatoes in March, you should plant your seeds indoors, now, as it takes 4 to 5 weeks to grow small transplants. Veggies to plant now include broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, celery, mustard, potatoes, radishes and turnips.