By: Tanya Begley                                                                                                                            Photo courtesy of prospect.org

What is that we see slowly peeking out from the shadows? YES!! It is SPRING! Mother nature has awoken from her long slumber and we cannot be happier to see her. Of course, this past winter’s strain of ice storms, flooding and the ongoing Corona virus pandemic have pushed the limits of even the most resilient in our communities. That is the key word here “resilient”. In Appalachia it could be said resilience is in our DNA 😊. Spring is the time we reflect on the last year and we begin again. Hopes for better crops, weather and harvesting abound. We re-assess, make changes, preparations, gather our supplies and begin the work of the growing season.

In this March 2021 edition of our blog, we will kick off our spring growing season with tips and tricks for early crops, spring planting and even a spring decor “hack” and recipe. We hope that you enjoy them and find them useful.

Spring Planting

“Learn the typical date of the spring’s last freeze so you can avoid the danger of setting out freeze- and frost-sensitive plants too early. The date of the last freeze varies from year to year, of course, but knowledge of typical freeze-free dates can help you reduce the risk of planting too early.In western Kentucky, the average date of the last freeze comes relatively early; in Paducah, the median date of the last freeze is April 8. In central Kentucky, the last freeze comes somewhat later; the median last freeze in Lexington comes on April 18. In western Kentucky, freezes tend to occur even later; the median last freeze date in Ashland is May 4.You can plant cool-season crops in the spring as soon as the soil is workable, meaning the ground is no longer frozen and the soil can be tilled. The soil should also not be so wet that it forms clumps when it’s tilled or compressed in your fist.Early crops should also be planted when the air temperature is relatively cool — between 50 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit, so the plants have time to develop before the heat of late spring and summer begins.”

Cool-Season Crops

“Cool-season crops are not vulnerable to damage from frost, and they can be planted in Kentucky even before the danger of spring frosts has passed. Cool-season crops include broccoli (Brassica oleracea (Italica group)), cabbage (Brassica oleracea (Capitata group)), lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and onions (Allium cepa).On average, the earliest planting date for cabbage and lettuce is March 15 in western Kentucky, March 25 in central Kentucky, April 1 in eastern Kentucky. The earliest planting date for broccoli plants is March 30 in the west, April 5 in the central part of the state, April 10 in the east. Onion sets can be planted as early as March 1 in the west, March 10 in central Kentucky and March 15 in the east.”

*This information courtesy of : https://www.hunker.com/12421570/when-to-plant-vegetables-in-kentucky

 

 

 

 

 

 

Please also see the following planting zone & calendar links for more information :

https://www.ufseeds.com/kentucky-vegetable-planting-calendar.html

https://www.almanac.com/gardening/planting-calendar/zipcode/41314

By: Tanya Begley

Looking for something new and bright to put you in the spring mood? Try this easy and CHEAP broom hack! I love to craft. Fall finds like “natural cinnamon brooms” are cheap,easy to hang and smell great. But, what do we do with them after fall? Repurpose baby :). I took my plain broom and some very cheap ( $1.00 a bundle- I used four) artificial spring flowers and made a door hanger. Now my neighbors are begging to know where I got it at!

Simply push the stems of the flower bundles backward and through the brooms twine bindings until you get your desired effect! You can change them for seasons, holidays or even personalize them. They lend themselves to limitless ideas!

See my before and after pictures below:

 

 

Thank you for helping us usher in our first blog of the season! We wish to highlight some happenings around the county, local resources, and farmers that want to invite you to come see what they have to offer. Please feel free to contact me at tanya.begley@owsley.kyschools.us  if you or someone you know would like to be featured in our blog. In closing I leave you with a delicious recipe link for spring berries-YUM!  Happy growing and hoppy Easter!!

Mrs. B♥

*Spring berries in Rebecca sauce: https://ediblekentucky.ediblecommunities.com/recipes/spring-berries-rebecca-sauce