Some early spring chores

With the official first day of spring now in our “rear-view mirror,” we can start to get serious about growing things. It seemed like a long winter, didn’t it? But then, we usually don’t get our first snowstorm in early November.

If you haven’t already done so, it’s time to pot up those tuberous begonia bulbs you saved from last year. Most will have tiny sprouts that look like little pink mouse ears. These are raring to get going. More can be found in stores now.

Fill a 4- to 6-inch pot with new potting soil. Wet it and press the tuber into the surface so it is flush. Be sure the little sprouts are on top. Place under lights or in a sunny window and they will soon take off. These can’t be planted outdoors for a while yet. Late May is usually about right. Every year is different; so watch the forecasts.

Lots of us like to get a jump start on growing by starting seeds indoors. If you have packets that are a few years old, it’s a good idea to do a germination test first. Just follow these easy steps:

- Count out 10 seeds of one kind

- Arrange these onto a damp paper towel

- Roll up the towel and place in a resealable plastic bag

- Place the bag in a warm area. Check often and respray again if needed.

Depending on the type of seeds, they can take from two to 14 days to germinate. Once they do, count them. One germinated only gives you 10 percent … time to buy new seeds. Five would be 50 percent. Not bad, but all 10 would be great: 100 percent.

The plant experts say that March 25, is a good time for us in zone 6 to plant those hardy perennials. I see only one problem with that … most of the ground is still frozen! With a little luck, that could change soon.

If the snow is gone from your yard, go ahead and start your spring cleanup efforts. Cut those tall perennial stalks to the ground and toss them onto your compost pile. Rake the pine needles and other debris out of the beds.

As for the rose bushes, please resist the idea of pruning them. It’s too early. Remember, pruning tells any kind of plant that it’s time to send out new growth. If this happens, a cold night will freeze it right back off and that’s not a good thing. Go ahead and pluck any old leaves off your rose bushes, but nothing more at this time. As these leaves can carry over diseases, skip the compost and just trash them.

Seen on a cute garden sign: “Do You Take This Garden to Weed From This Day Forth?”

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Elaine Cerny has gardened most of her life, starting in 4-H. She has belonged to garden clubs in three states and is currently serving as secretary for the River City Gardeners Club in Post Falls. Her column appears in The Press every other Sunday from early March until late October.