Leonard Moorehead, The Urban Gardener: Spring Poised on the Equinox
Saturday, March 28, 2015
Leonard Moorehead, GoLocalProv Gardening Expert
View Larger +
We’ve faced the equinox and the day is ours. Let’s start having fun in the garden, urges Leonard Moorehead.
Urban gardeners lean towards the random crocus and snowdrops. We hope. At last the sun has passed the over the equator and our days lengthen. Spirits rise. It is no accident that gardeners of every stripe peruse seed and nursery catalogs with renewed vigor. Gardeners are clever servants in the cause of greenery.
I urge everyone to take random samples of soil from growing plots, mix them up, and test the soil. It’s possible to have extensive analysis and is a fascinating glimpse into our world. For the moment it’s sufficient to accept soils east of the Mississippi and particularly New England are acidic. I top dressed the growing grounds with dolomite pelletized limestone. This most basic of soil amendments is affordable and increases the chances of nutrients available to roots.
Broadcasting the coarse limestone is an easy and time honored task. One hopes for rain or snow soon afterwards. The lime is slowly available to soil over time and surface. The mulched areas integrate the soluble naturally abundant limestone a bit faster than turf. This is a fine time of year to combine several annual garden tasks into one activity. Broadcast limestone, fresh grass seed, and a cover.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST
The grass is always greener
The grassy lanes in my city garden are important elements in the garden and a far cry from the suburban lawn. The requirements for successful turf cultivation are much the same whether a broad sweep of green towards the ocean or the space between sidewalk and curbstone. Turf is actually a combination of plants, several grasses, chamomile, clover, and the most persistent of annoying invaders, crabgrass. Woven together and pulled out, a thick green stretch of turf is relaxing and peaceful. One can search for good luck among the white flowered clovers or lay still and gaze upward, breath and spirit far among the clouds. A green turf is the most gentle of friends.
Roger Williams like his fellow colonists imported grass seed to New England in the 1640’s to increase grazing for their burgeoning herds of grazing animals novel to the New World. Sheep, cattle, and especially horses and pigs, roamed the lands we urban gardeners are returning to a more natural condition. URI #2 seed mix was developed from grass found growing wild in a Jamestown RI pasture. Re-seed your turf each spring and if needed and one has the resources, again in the fall.
Grasses form dense root systems which are the capillaries of soil. Their tendrils penetrate the topsoil and respond very quickly to soil amendments and fertilizers. Go easy on fertilizer if used at all. Turf prefers a near neutral soil ph which recalls its origins on the chalkstone moors of England. Thick planting is an old gardener’s trick for controlling weeds. The idea is to overwhelm any undesired company into easy thinning. When translated into vegetable plantings this technique offers delectable first fruits of lettuces, radishes, turnips, beets, and carrots to name but a few.
It is always profitable to cover the turf with a thin layer of compost or other loose mulch material. This spring I’m favoring a layer of peat moss spread, like compost or cocoa shells, just thick enough to cover last years growth. This top dressing is most important for the long range health and prosperity of the grass. Turf grown in thick loams thrive with minimal fertilizes. Each addition of mulch in spring and fall are quickly absorbed within the turf and help dissolve lime, fertilizer or perhaps, green sand, added just before the welcome spring rains.
Sunshine is required for thick happy turf. As gardens mature or fences are built, each of us must cope with just how much sunshine there is within each garden plot. I preserved old turf when I laid out a garden in hollow square form. The growing areas were tilled once to incorporate lime and then immediately covered in thick layers first of paper then enormous quantities of organic materials. This active layering of hay, manure, seaweed, shredded paper and leaves has continued into its 4th spring. The contour of the land changed as the soil developed microbial communities as well as colonization by salamanders and snakes. Soil teems with life.
A matter of taste
Tradition and taste urge us to plant. Individual conditions vary, I have perfect loam for peas and love to growth these power packed legumes. Here’s a green crop with many benefits for soil and gardener. Pick out your favorite varieties and buy extra. I mix peas up such as Asian snow peas, sugar snap peas and other edible podded types. Soak them overnight on damp paper towels and bring into the sunny garden. Pull aside the winter mulch, just a few inches, and plant the swollen seed. You may wish to inoculate your pea seeds with nitrogen fixing bacteria or rely upon the plants finding the bacteria from past seasons. Peas grow quickly and when tulips cause all to gap in wonder you will also be picking an abundant harvest of this ancient plant.
I have a large heavy duty wire mesh section of fence that has served well for four seasons and shows no sign of wearing out. It’s 48” tall and very affordable by the yard at most hardware outlets. Stake in supports, whether its recycled prunings from trees and shrubs or as in my case the reused wire fence and run them as close to a N/S axis as possible. This trellis will work very hard until the next equinox in September and often beyond.
A trellis of your dreams is very useful in the garden. This is especially true of urban gardeners who expand vertically what they can not horizontally. Have some fun with trellises. For a long while I grew the “Tallest Morning Glories” in the city in the desolate inches between ancient picket fence and sidewalk, trellis nailed into old pickets. Peas will grow just fine sprawled upon themselves but truly enjoy clamoring up and over branches, bales of hay and dosing gardeners.
We’ve faced the equinox and the day is ours. Let’s start having fun in the garden.
Leonard Moorehead is a life-long gardener. He practices organic-bio/dynamic gardening techniques in a side lot surrounded by city neighborhoods in Providence RI. His adventures in composting, wood chips, manure, seaweed, hay and enormous amounts of leaves are minor distractions to the joy of cultivating the soil with flowers, herbs, vegetables, berries, and dwarf fruit trees.
Note: This column originally ran in March 2014.
Related Slideshow: Spring Has Arrived: 25 Great Events in New England
View Larger +
Prev
Next
New England Family Fun Festival
Providence, RI - April 26-27, 2014
In April, the Rhode Island Convention Center will host The New England Family Fun Festival, which offers fun and educational activities for the entire family. The festivities will include rides, games, bounce houses, face painting, rock climbing, live performances by The Toe Jam Puppet Band, Vanessa Trien, Story Tellers Len Cabral, Carolyn Martino, Tammy Titus and Valerie Tutson, Marine Biology and Aquarium by Biomes, Arts & Workshops and the Providence Friar’s Official DJ, Finesse playing music during family competitions like Lego building and Simon Says. Festivities will take place from 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Admission: $12 for adults, $7 for kids
For more information, click here.
View Larger +
Prev
Next
118th Boston Marathon
Boston, MA - April 21, 2014
The Boston Marathon is the world’s oldest annual marathon and one of the world’s best-known road racing events with over 20,000 participants. Amateur and professional runners flock to Boston from all over the world to compete on the hilly terrain. The race starts west of the city in Hopkinton and ends in Boston. Approximately 500,000 spectators line the 26.2-mile course each year, making the Boston Marathon New England’s most widely viewed sporting event.
For more information, click here.
View Larger +
Prev
Next
Virtu Art Festival
Westerly, RI - May 24-25
More than 185 selected artists from New England and beyond participate in this free two-day exhibit and sale of artwork and fine crafts. Featuring food, live entertainment and free children’s activities. This event, which will be held at Wilcox Park, will take place rain or shine.
For more information, http://public.westerlychamber.org/events/details/virtu-art-festival-4162" target="_blank">click here.
View Larger +
Prev
Next
Knights! Community Day Renaissance Faire
Worcester, MA - March 28-30, 2014
Later this month, the Worcester Art Museum will celebrate the opening of Knights!, a major arms and armor exhibition. The festivities include music; costumed performers; theater; storytelling; and art making workshops. On Saturday, come dressed as your favorite historical figure: knights, pirates, princesses, and more. On Sunday, the museum will celebrate fantasy. Dress as an inspired super hero and enjoy all the fairies, wizards, and other colorful characters wandering around the galleries. Each day will have great food and beverages for sale.
For more information, click here.
View Larger +
Prev
Next
Pond Skimming at Sugarbush
Lincoln Peak, VT - March 29, 2014
An excellent spectator event, the "Annual Rite of Spring at Sugarbush" is oldest continually running pond skimming event in the country. Dive right into spring in your craziest costume. Registration from 9am-11am in the Gate House Cafeteria. Limited to the first 100 competitors.
For more information, click here.
View Larger +
Prev
Next
The Annual Bud Light Reggae Fest
Carrabassett Valley, ME - April 10-13, 2014
Held at the Sugarloaf Mountain Resort, this annual spring party draws thousands of spring skiing and reggae enthusiasts to the mountains of Maine. Jam out to sensational reggae tunes. The biggest winter music event in Maine mixes with perfect spring skiing.
For more information, click here.
View Larger +
Prev
Next
Gaspee Days Celebration
Warwick, RI - June 13-15
In June of 1772 brave colonists from Rhode Island burned the British revenue schooner, HMS Gaspee, in what has become recognized as the first overt action leading to the American Revolutionary War. Since 1965, the village of Pawtuxet has commemorated this act with its annual Gaspee Days Celebration. The event features colonial fife and drum corps, Civil War era units, modern day drum and bugle corps, and more.
For more information, click here.
View Larger +
Prev
Next
Wildquack Duck River Festival
Jackson, NH - May 25, 2014
Held at Jackson Village Park, this outdoor action-packed day in the White Mountains of New Hampshire brings singles, families, strangers, businesses and guests all together to forget about life’s trials and tribulations if only for a few short hours. Laugh out loud as 3,500 yellow rubber ducks make their way downstream to the finish line.
For more information, click here.
View Larger +
Prev
Next
The Atlantic Cup
Newport, RI - May 24-25, 2014
Pack a picnic and come down to Fort Adams for the Atlantic Cup's Inshore Series. Teams will race in Narragansett Bay in the third and final leg of America's only Class 40 sailing race. With an up close view of the start and finish line, live commentary and fun activities for all ages, you won't want to miss any of the action.
For more information, click here.
View Larger +
Prev
Next
1st Annual 4B Festival
New Haven, CT - March 22, 2014
From craft brews to bacon, bourbons to barbecue; come enjoy the finest flavors from around the region to tantalize your taste buds and tickle your senses. The 4B Festival will bring together national and local purveyors all in one place to offer the most delicious and creative samplings to “4B” aficionados, all highlighted with musical performances, interactive art displays and live competitions among home brewers, BBQ taste tests and a bacon eating contest for the real meat eaters. If you wish to purchase tickets, act quickly because only limited quantities are left.
For more information, click here.
View Larger +
Prev
Next
Great Chowder Cook-off
Newport, RI - June 7, 2014
Sponsored by Polar Seltzer, the Newport's Great Chowder Cook-off is the largest and longest running (over 30 years), chowder festival in New England. Located right in the buzz of historic downtown Newport, this event features national and regional competitors. Festival-goers will taste-test a myriad of traditional and exotic chowders from all kitchens, then vote for the best in three categories: Clam, Seafood and Creative.
For more information, click here.
View Larger +
Prev
Next
Worcester VegFest
Worcester, MA - April 6, 2014
Now in its fifth year, the Worcester VegFest is a FREE festival that brings together Worcesterites to celebrate vegetarianism animal-friendly, environmentally sustainable, and healthy lifestyle. The event features socially responsible businesses, national inspiring speakers, free samples of tasty vegan food, and a vegan food court.
For more information, click here.
View Larger +
Prev
Next
Misquamicut Springfest
Westerly, Rhode Island - May 9-11, 2014
Held at Misquamicut State Beach, SpringFest will include beer, blues, BBQ and rock & roll tent with entertainment throughout the week, a Ferris wheel and major rides, a petting zoo, pony rides and more. New this year: arts & crafts displays featuring local vendors. The event also includes fireworks on Friday night.
For more information, click here.
View Larger +
Prev
Next
Nantucket Wine Festival
Nantucket Island, MA - May 14-18, 2014
What better reason to visit one of America’s most famous vacation islands? Come enjoy this boutique experience of world class wines and award winning food. Over the past 17 years, the Nantucket Wine Festival has become one of the most celebrated wine and food events in the country. You must be 21 or older to purchase tickets to events that include wine or spirits. Valid ID required for entry. The Opening Reception, Harbor Gala, La Fête and Grand Tastings are the heart and soul of the five day experience.
For more information, click here.
View Larger +
Prev
Next
Art in the City Gala
Worcester, MA - May 9, 2014
Join the Family Health Center of Worcester on May 9 for an evening of art and entertainment featuring a great selection of original artwork created by dozens of local artists. The evening includes live music by the Kallin Johnson Trio with a cameo performance by Dale LePage, a live auction hosted by local celebrity Jen Carter from WXLO, a wide selection of gourmet hors d'oeuvres and much more. Whether you are new to the arts, an avid collector, or just out for a night of fun, don’t miss this celebration of the arts.
For more information, click here.
View Larger +
Prev
Next
Sea Music Festival at Mystic Seaport
Mystic, Connecticut - June 12-15, 2014
In June, Mystic Seaport will host its annual Sea Music Festival, one of the world’s premier sea music events. Thousands of people gather each year to hear Mystic Seaport’s Chantey Staff along with performers from around the globe carry on the classic musical traditions of the Golden Age of Sail. Enjoy featured music from maritime cultures around the world, including the United Kingdom, Italy, Portugal, Australia, Iceland, Poland, Netherlands, France, Canada and Africa, as well as native peoples within the United States.
For more information, click here.
View Larger +
Prev
Next
Annual Vermont Maple Festival
St. Albans, VT - April 25-27, 2014
This festival celebrates the state of Vermont’s signature product: pure Vermont maple. It offers maple exhibits, cooking demonstrations, sugarhouse tours and a maple buffet. Enjoy Main Street entertainment, pancake breakfasts, fiddlers’ and youth talent shows, a carnival, an historical museum, delightful downtown shops and a Grand Parade.
For more information, click here.
View Larger +
Prev
Next
Antique Car Rally
Sturbridge, MA - June 1, 2014
In June, Old Sturbridge Village will host its annual Antique Car Rally. More than 50 pre-1946 automobiles will be showcased on the Common throughout the day and a grand procession of the autos will take place at 3:30 p.m.
For more information, click here.
View Larger +
Prev
Next
Down East Spring Birding Festival
Cobscook Bay Area, ME - May 23-26, 2014
The Annual Down East Spring Birding Festival provides a unique experience in “the real Maine” where birders can get out on their own and observe a great variety of birds in diverse natural environments. The festival offers birders various self-guided explorations as well as guided hikes, boat tours, and presentations led by area experts. Over 400 bird species have been sighted in Maine, and almost three-quarters of them have been seen in the Cobscook Bay area.
For more information, click here.
View Larger +
Prev
Next
Boston Jazz Week 2014
Boston, MA - April 21 - 30, 2014
Jazz Week is a collaborative, decentralized celebration of the music by the entire Greater Boston jazz community. This year’s event is being held one week earlier than usual – launching on Boston Marathon Day (also Patriot’s Day holiday). Once again Jazz Week will cover a 10-day period, ending on another special day – International Jazz Day, Wednesday, April 30.
For more information, click here.
View Larger +
Prev
Next
Boothbay Annual Fisherman’s Festival
Boothbay Harbor, ME - April 25-27, 2014
Trap hauling, cod fish relay, old-fashioned fish fry, Miss Shrimp Princess Pageant, lobster crate race and other contests are all a part of this celebration of fishing in this beautiful mid-coast Maine town. Boothbay Harbor, in mid-coast Maine, boasts the largest fleet of excursion boats on the coast for viewing lighthouses, seals, islands, whales and puffins.
For more information, click here.
View Larger +
Prev
Next
Brew Woo
Worcester, MA - April 19, 2014
On Saturday, April 19, The Ranch will present Worcesters Original Craft Beer Festival, Brew Woo. Now in its fourth year, the event will feature two sessions from 1:00pm to 4:00pm and 6:00pm to 9:00pm in the Convention Center of the DCU Center. The event will feature breweries with craft beers and local brews, live music, and several vendors.
Admission: $35.00; $30.00 in advance
For more information, click here.
View Larger +
Prev
Next
Meriden Daffodil Festival
Meriden, CT - April 26-27, 2014
Outdoor family festival with more than 600,000 daffodils on display (61 different varieties) in the 1,800-acre historic Hubbard Park. Events include parade, juried crafts show, three stages of entertainment, fireworks, amusement area and food tent.
For more information, click here.
View Larger +
Prev
Next
Annual Cape Cod Maritime Festival
Cape Cod, MA - May 19 – June 21, 2014
The month-long event will include a variety of Cape-wide maritime-themed activities, including guided kayak excursions, lighthouse and walking tours, nautical art exhibits, the Annual Cape Cod Maritime History Symposium at the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History, the Wellfleet Harborfest and Nautical Flea Market and more. Maritime Days will culminate with the Annual Cape Cod Quahog Day on the Cape Cod Canal on June 21st.
For more information, click here.
View Larger +
Prev
Next
Newport Craft Beer Festival
Newport, RI - April 26
The 3rd annual Newport Craft Beer Festival will be held at the Great Friends Meeting House Lawn. Every brewery in Rhode Island will be in attendance as well as many from New England and all over the US. The event will also feature a home brewing demonstration, live music and food from local restaurants.
For more information, click here.
Related Articles
- The Urban Gardener: Growing Herbs For The Kitchen + Heart
- Leonard Moorehead, The Urban Gardener: Seeds in the Snowbed
- Urban Gardener: Paradise Survives Snowstorms!
- Urban Gardener: Not Pot but Potatoes
- Urban Gardener: March Lions Prowl
- Urban Gardener: Hollies Make Christmas Gardens Bright
- Urban Gardener: Garden Holiday Cheer!
- Urban Gardener: Forsythias Advance on Spring
- Urban Gardener: Fallen Leaves are Gardener’s Friends
- Urban Gardener: Composting For Winter
- Urban Gardener: Compost Complexities
- Urban Gardener: Chives and Daffodils
- Urban Gardener: Bamboo Bamboozle Blizzards
- The Urban Gardener: Time To Harvest, Time To Plan
- The Urban Gardener: Late-Summer Peach + Pear Trees
- Leonard Moorehead, The Urban Gardener: Harvesting Green Beans + Sunflowers
- Leonard Moorehead, TheUrban Gardener: Snow is Good for Gardens
- Leonard Moorehead, The Urban Gardener: Before and After
- Leonard Moorehead, The Urban Gardener: Bless Garden Catalogs
- Leonard Moorehead, The Urban Gardener: Icy Grip? Pass the Salt
- Leonard Moorehead the Urban Gardener: Hollies Forever Holidays
- Leonard Moorehead the Urban Gardener: Gardener’s Wish List
- Leonard Moorehead, The Urban Gardener: Fall Gardens Flush and Full
- Leonard Moorehead, The Urban Gardener: Wreaths Go Full Circle
- Leonard Moorehead the Urban Gardener: “Scent, First and Last”
- Leonard Moorehead, The Urban Gardener: Winter Blooms
- Leonard Moorehead, The Urban Gardener: Patience is Virtuous
- Leonard Moorehead, The Urban Gardener: The Great Melt
- Leonard Moorehead, The Urban Gardener: Let’s Go Green
- Leonard Moorehead, The Urban Gardener: Hope Springs Eternal
- Leonard Moorehead, The Urban Gardener: All For Love
- Leonard Moorehead, the Urban Gardener: Spring’s Snowy Prelude
- Leonard Moorehead, The Urban Gardener: Vernal Equinox
Enjoy this post? Share it with others.