Community Garden: Plenty of items to be preparing for

The weather has been going up and down like a yo-yo. That means now is the time to take advantage of all these changes.

All those eggs that were left behind by all the pests and critters last year are having trouble adjusting to all these temperature changes also. Kyle Scappaticci owner and operator of Platinum Raccoon Removal shares that residents should use caution when approaching raccoons. Raccoons may have distemper that could possibly spread to household dogs and cats. If raccoons, a nocturnal animal, are seen outside during the day and look disoriented, it could be because they are ill. Even the ones that are hibernating and waiting for spring are getting confused. Take advantage of all these changes.

Now is the time to turn your soil and expose all these eggs and hibernating critters to the elements. When the soil is warm turn it over or rototill all of it and then when it freezes again the eggs will be destroyed and any other hibernating critters will be properly dealt with. This process will put your garden an entire step ahead of everyone else.

Now don’t think that is all you have to do because there are still plenty of different types of insects and you didn’t get all of them. The more you turn your soil when it is warm and expose it to freezing temperatures the more potential you have for destroying the insects and bugs that may do damage to your garden. If you use a rototiller then you need to get out there and get it started. Make sure it is running properly and that it is clean. If a shovel is your choice of instrument then you need to make sure it is clean and sharp.

Remember to sharpen from the backside using a flat file. A grinder will do the job but it may do it a little too well. The sharpening process is normally a long drawn out procedure unless you do it every year. Just a few swipes of the file and you are done. You will be amazed how much easier your work is when you use sharp instruments. Now is the time to get your garden going.

Have you noticed that garlic and onion bulbs have started showing up in the different stores? Pay attention and don’t plant them too early and don’t buy them too early and let them start sprouting in the bag. Save your money. Once you plant them you need to cover them with some mulch to give them a little extra added protection when it gets cold.

Remember that it can still freeze until the middle of May and whatever you put in the ground needs to be hardy enough to handle that cold temperature. Seeds will sprout in a week to ten days and they are extremely vulnerable. You need warm ground temperatures and warm air temperature. Once the plants begin to grow you will be extremely lucky if the wind blows a little for the first week or so. This will make them stronger and they will be a lot hardier. Strong plants make for great vegetables and lots of them.

So get ready! Get out there on a warm day and turn your garden and get ready to have some great fun.