In northern Connecticut, spring gardening (March through May) focuses on indoor seed starting, cleaning up debris, improving soil and planting cool-weather crops. Start peppers, tomatoes and eggplants indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost date. In late March / early April, direct-sow cool-season crops like peas, radishes, spinach, lettuce, kale and beets. Plant pansies and cool-loving flowers.
Plant hardy seeds like peas and lettuce, divide perennials, and protect early, sensitive plants from the last frost, typically between April 25 and May 15. Use row covers to protect early plantings from unexpected late-spring cold snaps.
Remove old, diseased plant debris to reduce pest risks. Test your soil’s pH and nutrients. Incorporate compost or organic matter, but avoid working the soil to prevent compaction if it is too wet. Prune dead or broken branches from trees and shrubs. Rake to remove debris and stimulate new growth. Avoid heavy, early fertilization; wait until grass starts growing.
Submitted by Drummer editors