In this issue: keystone species & seed starting

Spring is here!

Spring is the time of year we all look forward to. The days are getting longer, the sun is getting stronger, the weather is getting warmer and we gardeners start getting the itch to get back outside. This year when you are thinking about what you might want to change in your garden, consider adding some keystone species.

Raising the bar: Keystone Native Plants

Keystone native plants are essential cornerstones of our ecosystem, acting as the main pillars providing immense support to the whole ecosystem.

NO-NOs for early Spring

Although we are all itching to get out and poke around in the garden, resist the urge!

There are a couple of reasons for this:

First, soil compaction: At this time of year the soil in our lawns and gardens is nice and moist and springy. By walking on it (or worst, bringing in heavy equipment) you risk compacting the soil. Soil compaction occurs when all the air pockets are squished out of the soil. Why do we want air pockets? All the tiny air pockets allow for the exchange of gases and allow water to move freely through the soil. If you can see your footprints on the lawn or in the garden as you walk, it's too soon to be out doing any work. Try to stay off until everything dries out a bit more.

Second, yard clean up: Until the day time temperatures are consistently above 10ºC our native bees and bugs are still very drowsy. They are still sleeping and lounging in the leaf litter where they have been comfy and cosy for the winter. By cleaning up too early, you risk also cleaning them up. Leaving the debris a bit longer increases the chances of having more wonderful pollinators in your garden this summer.

For now, sip a tea, coffee or other beverage from the porch or patio on the warm spring days and dream all the new keystone native plants you are going to add this season.

Spring is here!

Now is the time to start many of your veggies seeds indoors. Things like tomatoes, peppers and basil can all be started now so they are ready for outdoor transplanting after the risk of frost has passed. You can also get a jump on the outdoor season with small hoop tunnels or cold frames which allow you to plant cool season crops like greens (ie. spinach, kale), bok choi or broccoli outside now!

Seed Starting - Get the best results!

Seed starting can be tricky but there really are just a few things to know. Learn to read the seed packet. Know your 'last frost date'. Understand what seeds to start when.

Joe Gardener

If you haven't discovered Joe Gardener yet, have a look at his website. It is chocked full of OUTSTANDING information. A recent podcast discusses Seed Starting Essentials.

North American Native Plant Society

The plight of our bees, both native and the non-native honey bee, has been in the news a lot lately. Loss of habitat, food sources, pests and diseases and pesticides are all to blame. Even our love for mulch can have a negative impact on ground burrowing native bees. They need bare soil to dig their home in! How can you help? Native bees love native plants, it’s as simple as that!

For more information

Stratford & Area Master Gardeners

April 20, 2023 at 7:00 pm

There is still one more webinars in this series that are open to anyone. The Stratford & Area Master Gardeners in conjunction with the Stratford Public Library are offering their Gardening in a Changing Climate Series.

For more information

iNaturalist app

Need to know what you are looking at in your garden? This website and app by National Geographic and The California Academy of Science is very handy. And, you are contributing to science by tracking where you have found certain species.