GARDEN FANATIC:Feeding your spring garden

“The master’s eye is the best fertilizer.” -- Pliny the Elder

For like as herbs and trees bringen forth fruit and flourish in Spring … -- With apologies to Sir Thomas Malory

One of the joys of being a gardener is preparing for the onset of spring. In my case, my initial experiences were tepid at best... not due to a deficiency in aptitude, but rather for lack of time and too many other competing interests.

However, the lessons of horticulture were not completely wasted on me. My pulse begins to quicken with the anticipation of March … to taste the first strawberry from the garden; savoring Catharine’s joy in seeing seven new spikes on her prized cymbidium orchid; and spotting Mary Kate refining her own emerging Eden.

Your questions for the Plant Man in March included:

Q. Should I fertilize my garden now?

A. Spring-like weather will return this weekend, and your plants are hungry. If you don’t fertilize your garden on a regular basis, this is the most important month to do it. I would recommend that you try Gro Power Plus, because it is easy to apply and you’ll see immediate results.

Q. My rose is still in its plastic bag. Is it too late to plant?

A. Not yet, but please hurry!

Q. How can I participate in the Patriots Day parade?

A. That’s easy … join the expected 4,000 participants this Saturday at 11 a.m. in Laguna.

Q. My camellia has just finished blooming. Do I need to do anything with it?

A. Fertilize it with a complete fertilizer, one formulated for acid-loving plants. Mulch with azalea mix or leaf mold, and don’t forget to rake up old flowers.

Q. Is it too late for bulbs?

A. March is the “other” bulb season. There is plenty of time to start gladiolus, dahlias, the fragrant tuberose, and of course tuberous begonias. They will all benefit by being mulched to keep the soil friable during the anticipated, sunny late winter.

Q. Is it safe to start my tomatoes and herbs?

A. If you’re missing those home grown tomatoes, I would recommend that you set out varieties like Early Girl and cherry tomatoes, which do well in Laguna beginning in March. You can, of course, plant herbs in a protected, sunny part of your garden.

Q. My lawn isn’t looking very green and has a number of holes in it. Any hints?

A. Your lawn should be fertilized with a product high in nitrogen. You may decide to select a fertilizer that is combined with a weed killer. This is a good month to re-seed bare spots as well.

One thing hasn’t changed much. I still struggle to budget time to do … everything. I wish I could spend more time being with Catharine and never miss the weekly spot of catnip tea with Tiger and Ollie. However, first I need to check out the latest news on the Dodgers. See you next time.