Wind moon garden

“Oh, give us pleasure in the flowers today;

And give us not to think so far away

As the uncertain harvest; keep us here

All simply in the springing of the year.

—Robert Frost, “A Prayer in Spring”

In March, the songs of ravens signal the coming of spring. This is the moon of the maiden and fairy folk, a time to gather the seeds of inspiration and prepare the earth for planting, yourself for change. The name March comes from the god of war, Mars, and is also called month of the storm moon. It may come in roaring, but hopefully it will leave like a lamb.

In our lofty Zone 5 altitude, snows are beginning to recede as winter pushes toward a new season of growth. With the air less chilly, plump buds and birdsong stir the imagination. As we anticipate setting foot in our gardens, we are wise to recall the wisdom of patience. Winter’s end can linger with unexpected consequences. Little will germinate in soil below 45°F, and wet earth needs drying before we work planting beds into shape.

I am very interested to get into my garden, as a 25-foot fallen section of sprawling red maple is begging for cutting and removal. Fence mending can be tackled, along with spring pruning of roses and other ungainly shrubs. It is time to build and repair cold frames. I will fertilize planting areas when weather permits.

Memorial Day is the safe planting day for tender annuals and perennials, merely weeks away. Now, cool season crucifers like broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, collards and kale can be started indoors under grow lights. Lettuce, parsley, chives and onions from seed can get a head start, too.

Some flowers can be started, as well, like coleus, petunias, snapdragons, statice and verbenas. Toward the end of March or early April, I’ll start peppers and tomatoes. Cool season vegetables like peas, radishes, mustard and spinach can be planted in cold frames with heating cables or pads.

This season, I want to expand my garden to accommodate more food crops. To that end, I’ve acquired a deer-deterring roll of plastic fencing. I will prepare raised beds for planting beans, corn, cucumbers, melons and winter squash. Early Aztec and Egyptian gardeners realized that even a 6-inch-high bed provides better drainage than those flush with the soil. Raised beds heat up faster in the spring, adding days or even weeks to the season. Beds built no wider than four or five feet allow me to reach in and garden without compacting the soil. Compacted soil inhibits root growth and water availability, and keeps earthworms and other vital soil fauna from circulating freely.

Peas, cucumber and squash will require vertical supports. I’ll plant corn when the soil is warm, and two weeks later I’ll poke in climbing beans below them. Squash leaves at their feet will help keep the soil and roots protected from overheating. Vertical growth increases yield, is less prone to soil-borne disease and adds color and ease of harvest. I will likely add pole teepees for taller vines, such as Heavenly Blue morning glories and Spanish pastel thunbergia.

A little levity can help amid spring chores. “What did the carrot say to the wheat? Lettuce rest, I’m feeling beet.”— Shel Silverstein