Welcome to a new season of gardening. I feel a wave of change in the nursery, on my radio show and in seminars I host. The change is coming from gardeners wanting to grow more of what they eat, while doing it in the safest way. It is more important than ever for good information on how best to achieve your gardening goals. I hope you find that help in this column The Impatient Gardener, the radio show I host each Saturday at 9 a.m., and at The Garden Shop Nursery. All of these venues are meant to serve as a value to you and your garden. So this month I offer a few great ideas and duties that can be done in the yard now, things that will help with possible problems later.

1. Mulch, yes mulch around the plants that you missed in the fall as soon as the snow melts and it is warmer. Apply 3 to 4 inches of organic mulch to help feed the roots of your plant material and create a barrier that will help with weeds. The deeper the mulch the more difficult it is for weeds to germinate.

2. Get out the hula hoe and let those weed seedlings have it. In January I walked my yard and was a bit stunned to see a huge crop of weed seedling. All you have to do is disrupt this small plant, they will die; decompose into the soil making organics. This is a great way to exercise and use no chemicals.

3. Feed the birds that have been keeping your yard and garden a bit healthier. Many forget that bird’s are great pollinators and they eat many pests. This includes making sure they have water as well, it is as simple as regularly putting a 2 to 3 inch tall pan of water in the same area as food.

4. Starting seeds is a job. This is a great time to shop for seeds, and get the cool season crops started. The Garden Shop Nursery has the largest selection, and carries many organic and heirloom varieties. Seed starting is something that I do to stay gardening in the cold months. It really is easy that with the proper light, air and moisture, seeds will germinate.

If you need help please feel free to contact me at marnie@gardenshopnuresry.com.safestway.