It’s nearly the right time but not quite to start my garden clean-out. The rule of thumb I remember is that it needs to be consistently above fifty degrees for several days before you start. Up in our part of the woods this is usually at the end of April when trees and shrubs have healthy buds. Last year’s leaf, twig and vine litter is still providing protection for pollinators such as several varieties of bees-minors, carpenters, sweat, and bumble bees are still hiding out in the underbrush of last year as protection against any late season frost. Even butterfly chrysalides are still clinging to some dried stems and twigs waiting for the right time to emerge as the beauties we love. 

So, when is the perfect time to start? Ask yourself this question-do I now feel comfortable putting away my snow shovel and winter coat? Or do I see my grass getting higher? If your lawn grass is growing it’s probably a safe bet that most pollinators have emerged and the clean-up can begin. When gardening you quickly learn a lot by trial and error that everything is connected, so for me all the information and advice I can get is welcomed with open arms. And just so you know Sullivan County is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 6a.

I was delighted to get a notice from a friend of a gardening seminar and “how to” event coming up next week and the title “Plot and Plan: A Free Community Garden Workshop” has my name all over it. It promises an evening of expert advice and an opportunity to develop some hands-on planning. 

The presentation panel will be some of our local gardening experts including Leigh Allison (Project Meadow), Wanda Gangel (Narrowsburg Beautification Group) and Anie Stanley a local environmental activist and gardener from the Tusten Heritage Community Garden. The presenters will be sharing pro tips and tricks for organizing your garden for the growing season ahead and how to plan out your space and select the right plants so you will have a thriving garden. After the panel presentation, there will be an opportunity to stay and get assistance to actually sketch out your garden plans-instead of just randomly planting, sowing seeds and hoping for the best (my usual plan that meets with random success) and get reference materials and inspiration to try new methods for a healthier more successful yield. 

The gardening event will take place on Thursday, April 3 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. held at the Big Eddy Brewing Company & Smokd NY (a very good brewery and BBQ spot and food and beverages will be available for purchase) located at 93 Main Street in Narrowsburg. To save your place for the gardening panel presentation please RSVP by going to the Tusten Heritage Community Garden site on Instagram and click on the Eventbrite.com link.