Getting a jumpstart on the garden

Early in March we spent an afternoon soaking up the sun and strolling in the stunning Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix. It was quite busy, even for a weekend. Part of the draw was the butterfly house ... and the added crowd attractor was the annual plant sale.

A plant sale? In March? Oh, to be a Zone 9 gardener. Our temperatures here in Zone 3 are finally creeping into the 50s, and the aching to see green and the urge to get our hands dirty in the garden are palpable.

Despite the cold hard fact that establishing a garden in earnest is weeks away, there are so many things we can do to welcome spring and prepare for the upcoming gardening season. Here are just a few ideas:

• Spend some time reflecting on last year's garden, perhaps looking through your photos or reviewing your drawings and notes. Are there any significant changes in your gardening practices, structure or layout that you would like to make in 2019? Maybe you have contemplated installing some raised beds. (Supported raised beds offer improved drainage, warmer soil and versatility, among other advantages.) Now would be a perfect time to construct them in your garage or barn. I am going to research installing a hoop house over one of my raised beds to extend the growing season on either end.

• Review your notes or reflect on your past gardening successes (or misses). Have you concluded that some advice or assistance might be helpful on a particular topic - composting, for instance, or fruit tree pruning? If so, you are in luck. The University of Minnesota Extension website is an outstanding resource, teeming with information on every possible gardening topic. The information is research-based, written and maintained by experts. And it is pertinent to our unique growing conditions and challenges in Minnesota. Early spring is the opportune time to prune your apple trees. Follow this (shortened) link for videos providing step-by-step instructions: https://bit.ly/2uJ9EwA.

Follow this link for comprehensive information on composting: https://bit.ly/2UdrPtM or go here for a how-to guide for those raised beds: https://bit.ly/2UfKDsb.

Perhaps upon reflection you have concluded your garden design could use a bit of fresh inspiration. Consider a road trip to one of the many beautiful public gardens in Minnesota. The Spring Flower Show in the Sunken Garden at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory at Como Park in St. Paul runs through April 21. The show features a stunning array of tulips, daffodils, crocuses, hydrangeas, hyacinths and lilies. Public gardens are local treasures. They are perfect places to get ideas for different plant combinations, to take classes and, in the case of the Conservatory, even breathe in some tropical air. Follow this link for more information about the flower show: https://bit.ly/1jo5Lmg.

Follow this link for a seasonal guide to public gardens in Minnesota: https://bit.ly/2FP6OLF.

If what you really need is to just start growing, check out the Extension website for a great tutorial on starting plants from seed: https://bit.ly/2UvDaEC. This site covers everything from how to plant, to what type of light and soil work best to transplanting, and includes a comprehensive list of when to start what type of plant.

Or, for instant gratification, buy a few herbs at your local hardware store and grow them in your kitchen until it is warm enough to pot them outside.

I might try something I discovered in a blog posting on the Extension website: planting outside in a milk jug. In short, place soil and seeds inside a milk jug, seal it shut and voile! You have a mini greenhouse! (Find detailed instructions here: https://bit.ly/2UuHvI8.)

The Gardening Notes column is written by Master Gardeners and others who work with the University of Minnesota Extension office. Judy Walker is a University of Minnesota Master Gardener volunteer. Call the Extension office with gardening questions at 218-384-3511 or email at [email protected].