An early start DON’T FALL BEHIND THE TIMES THIS SPRING Photos and Story By Matt Peterson • matt.peterson@austindailyherald.com
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t may seem like it’s never going to fungus, she urges gardeners to bring them into come;,but spring is almost here, and that the nursery where staff can identify them. Spemeans it’s time to get those flower gar- cific chemicals can be applied to each different dens prepped. type of fungus, which remedies the problem Although the ground is still more effectively. frozen and snow-covered, it can’t But perhaps the most important hurt to be armed with some advice step — and often overlooked — is “You can on how to make this year’s garden fertilizing. better than the neighbor’s. One plant anytime “A timed release fertilizer is the common mistake people make: the ground is best and easiest way to do it,” They get started too late. Mason said. thawed.” “A misconception we see in this Timed release fertilizers are industry — people view May sprinkled on the soil where they -Emily Mason slowly release nutrients for plants. through August as the window of Berg’s Nursery retail Doing this simple step can ensure time you can plant,” said Emily operations manager strong plant growth right away, Mason, retail operations manager at Berg’s nursery in Austin. which could eliminate more prob“That’s not the case. You can plant anytime the lems later in the spring and summer. ground is thawed.” A root stimulator is a great fertilizer to use, Many people will cover their newly planted too, according to Mason. This water-chemical bulbs and seeds with leaves, straw or other fo- mixture can be applied with regular watering. liage for extra insulation, but it’s important to So with the ease of fertilizing, there’s no reason clear that stuff once the snow melts to prevent not to do it. fungus from forming later on. Fungus was a big problem last year because > PLANTS continues on 3 of all the humidity, Mason said. If plants do get
This Hawaiian Volcano Plant grows solely on a piece of lava rock with a small amount of water. Although it can be put outside during the day, it should mostly remain indoors.