Garden thoughts from the notebooks of our professional horticulturists...

No more frost (we hope)!

Now that the frost-free date has come and gone in Northwest Ohio it is time to plant garden beds and containers with vegetables and flowering plants.  When selecting plants, resist the urge to purchase those that are already in bloom, as they are often rootbound or overgrown and, after planting, will actually be set back and cease to bloom for about a month.  Plants without blooms will actually bloom sooner and will grow better throughout the season.

We encourage you to shop locally when purchasing plants and other materials for your yard.  Visit www.maumeevalleygrowers.com for a helpful listing of area growers, as well as other resources concerning the greenhouse industry.

Finally, pencil in some time on your schedule to mulch your garden beds in early June.  Do this before the summer heat sets in, as mulch aids in conserving water!

HORTICULTURE HOTLINE:  From crocus to compost, find answers to your gardening questions by contacting a Lucas County Master Gardener through the Ohio State University Extension office at 419-578-6783 or mghotline@ag.osu.edu.