Northern Nevada landscapes and backyards: More spring gardening tidbits – Carson Now

I confess I broke the cardinal rule of planting. I admit I fell for it. The weather was so beautiful, I not only bought marigolds and one tomato plant, along with some perennials, I planted them before Washoe Valley’s safe planting date for non-hardy veggies and plants of June 1.

Worry not, my fellow gardeners, I was immediately punished. Not one but two freezes came two days after planting.

The perennials are all fine. Amazingly enough, the marigolds made it. However, the tomato is a goner. I know better, but I got caught up in the excitement of warm weather and planting possibilities. 

My friend Kate asked me about pruning some overgrown roses now. She wanted to prune them back almost to the ground. I advised her that radical pruning is rarely the best option. A better plan is to remove a third of the excess growth, any crossing branches, any unsafe one that might poke you in the eye, and any dead growth.

Since roses are prone to many diseases, always disinfect pruning tools between cuts. I use rubbing alcohol, because it doesn’t rust tools. I just put it in a spray bottle and carry it with me bush to bush. Some people use bleach, which does cause rust. Sharp tools are best for pruning roses. Follow up on each cut by sealing it with white or wood glue. This will prevent borers from getting in the stem and killing it down to the crown. “A little dab will do ya!”

During my unwise plant shopping spree, I discovered that fertilizer is now extraordinarily expensive. I was shocked. I guess the Iran war and oil crisis is hitting home in more ways than just gas for cars or diesel for trucks. Yikes!

I am enjoying the multitudes of birds that live on or near our property. There is a robin nesting in a viburnum under our bedroom window. I watch her surreptitiously and I’m hoping there will be babies soon.

The Western bluebirds are prolific, skimming through the air grabbing all the bugs stirred up from our weed-whacking and mowing. They and the robins take enthusiastic and entertaining baths in the bird bath every day. I have a number of hyperactive, black-chinned hummingbirds at our two feeders. Who knew how assertive hummers could be, guarding their territory? I also didn’t realize that house finches would drink regularly at the hummingbird feeders. 

I love spring!

— JoAnne Skelly is an Associate Professor and Extension Educator, Emerita, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension. She can be reached at skellyj@unr.edu.

Related