by Rochelle Risverato
If your gardens, lawn and all the wonderful plantings on your homestead could speak to you—what do you think they’d say? They would certainly want to give you the best display possible for all the efforts you’ve put into the flower and veggie gardens. The lawn. The trees. The shrubs and bushes. But since they can’t talk—although we know many gardeners do speak to their plants—VISITvortex contacted the experts, “property whisperers” who know just what your precious greenery would want to say to you if they could talk.
Here are some great tips our local professionals have graciously shared about the first things homeowners should think about and do as soon as spring has sprung. From proper soils to driveway run-off—from bringing spring to your front porch and decks with florals and deck gardens to how keeping pests out of gardens can be done. And so much more!
Agway’s Keith McGilvray talks about garden and yard pests:
“There are numerous brands and varieties of small animal and deer repellents on the market today. What I recommend in repellent products is to rotate them monthly and use two or three different products that use different ingredients so the pest you’re trying to deter doesn't become used to the product. Some repellents should not be used on plants grown for human consumption, so please read and follow label directions.” Agway, 145 Rt 32, New Paltz. 845-255-0050; agway.com
Angie of Buzzanco’s Greenhouse gives tips on spring curb appeal and deck gardens:
“First off it’s great to add some curb appeal before your garden is in full bloom—so hang some beautiful florals on your front porch or put planters on your deck filled with early floral color. It’s a way to fulfill garden dreams in small spaces that are also easy-to-reach. Speaking of decks—if you don’t have a lot of property, it’s great to plant herbs, tomatoes, and other veggies in large pots for an accessible deck garden. And to bring spring into the home—add some Pothos, Philodendrons, Boston Ferns and many other lush beauties as they improve health by using the old oxygen in the air.” Needless to say, it’s a good idea to choose easy-care plants that suit your lifestyle. They require little and give back a lot. 2050 Sawkill-Ruby Road, Kingston. 845-336-6528; buzzancogreenhouses.com
Brian Bell of Bell’s Topsoil gives advice on the best soils for gardens and plantings:
“Because more people are concerned and interested in where their food comes from, starting your own home garden is a great way to become self-sufficient. Many properties in this area don’t have the best soil. It certainly helps to compost as much as possible and add to whatever soil is already there; but at times the soil is so poor to begin with, or has more stones than actual soil, that ordering garden soil that’s ready for planting is the way to go. Then down the road the composting that you do will maintain its fertileness for years to come. Our garden soil is rich in organics, with a neutral pH that’s ready for planting veggie and flower gardens and trees and shrubs. If you already have a garden it’s best to add composted cow manure. And for lawn seeding—it’s best, and more affordable, to order a large amount of special lawn soil.” 622 Mettacahonts Road, Accord. 845-626-0055; visitvortex.com/Bell_Topsoil
Country Lawnscapes owner Shaun Stokes gives tips on spring lawn care:
“Spring requires going through the entire lawn with blowers and dethatching the area. Then seed any bare spots and repair any areas damaged by snowplows. Remove any debris from the winter months and check for areas matted down from snow as it really affects how grass grows throughout the summer. Since we’ve added this to our yearly maintenance for our clients, we’ve noticed a huge difference in the lawn’s lushness and beauty as it gives a great start to the growing season.” 3056 Route 213, Stone Ridge. 845-687-2118; countrylawnscapes.com
G&G Lawn and Power’s Chris Sauer gives advice on lawn mowing:
“Preparing your lawnmower for spring should be a top priority. Sharpening blades, greasing your fittings, changing the oil, and replacing both the spark plug and air filter are all recommended components of basic annual maintenance. Dull and bent blades will tear up your lawn, leaving an uneven cut. Safeguarding your mower from unnecessary breakdowns will keep it running efficiently, saving you time and money throughout the year. G&G Lawn and Power, 4205 Route 209, Stone Ridge. 845-687-7316
Eric Stewart, owner of Greenman Garden Design:
“The first thing I do in the spring is a quick clean-up of planting beds to remove any spent growth from the previous season—rotting leaves, twigs and other debris that might have accumulated over the winter. Now’s also the time to prune any damaged or broken branches caused by heavy snow, foraging deer or winter kill; but save major pruning for later in the season to avoid sacrificing summer blooms. Late winter and early spring is also the time to sow poppy seeds.” 3 Mary Davis Road, Accord. 845-687-9166; greenmangarden.com
Herzog’s tool department manager, Fran Caprotti, talks about springtime tools:
“I tell people to bring in lawn mowers, tillers, weed-whackers, and all their landscaping tools to be tuned up so that they will run efficiently; I also suggest having blades sharpened at least one or two times a season. I’d like to mention that Stihl, a family owned company, has come out with some environmentally friendly, high-end battery-operated tools that perform like gas operated tools but produce no emissions; we have string-trimmer weed-whackers, hedge clippers, leaf blowers, chain saws, and lawn mowers. It’s a good idea to check these out if you’re in need of any of these tools.” Kingston Plaza. 845-338-6300; herzogs.com
Mike Soule, owner of Mike’s Earthworks, talks about winter’s damage to driveways:
“Many people don't realize that poor drainage is the cause of those potholes and cracks in their driveways. The freeze and thaw of winter can create havoc, and it’s not enough to just fill in the damaged areas—you must be sure to add enough material in order to crown the driveway so the water—definitely the spring rains—can run off to the sides.” 143 Schoonmaker Lane, Stone Ridge. 845-687-9117; visitvortex.com/Mikes_Earthworks
Dan Schoonmaker, owner of Saunderskill Farms, talks all about spring planting:
“Clear the planting area as soon as the soil can be worked, removing sod or weeds and debris. Spread a layer of compost or well-rotted manure over soil and cultivate it to a depth of 10 to 12 inches with a spading fork. Cold crops such as peas, broccoli, kale, some lettuces, cabbage, parsley, and spinach, as well as perennial flowers such as sweet peas, poppies, calendula, hostas, and daylilies can be planted as soon as the ground thaws at this time—usually the beginning of March. Bare-root trees and shrubs are planted by early spring, but choose a cool, cloudy day if possible. You can start your plants indoors in mid-April or wait and buy flats of seedlings—then plant them as soon as the danger of frost has passed. Although you should watch the weather, the full moon in May is an official day to go by.” 5100 Route 209, Accord. 845-626-2676; saunderskill.com
Veronica, owner of Veronica Gardens & Landscaping Nursery, offers professional pruning tips:
“The basic vitals of pruning is to always cut your canes [branches/growth] on an angle. Hydrangeas, Rhododendrons, Butterfly Bushes, and many other varieties can only be pruned in the spring—not in fall as they set their buds in the fall and you’ll be losing your spring display. And, when you prune your canes make sure they don’t touch as they will rub and cause all sorts of blights that can lead to the loss of the plant. Always prune so the plant is open by cutting most of the lateral growth out. As for fruit trees…cut the lateral growth on a fruit tree and cut the top leader down so the tree gets bushy.” 110 Kripplebush Road, Stone Ridge. 845-687-9026; visitvortex.com/Veronica_Gardens_Landscaping_Nursery
Werner Sprenger of Ben Sprenger and Son Landscaping speaks about proper mulching:
“An important note when mulching your flower beds in the spring is don’t heap up the mulch around the bark of trees—because in doing so the bark will decompose and harm the tree.” Ben Sprenger and Son Landscaping, 212 Maple Avenue, Tillson. 845-253-0034
For more tips on spring annual's, perennials & veggies also talk to the folks at Adam's, Apple Bin, Barthel's Farm, Wright's Farm, Wallkill View Farm and Gallo's Nursery.
