Katy’s gardeners recently faced a setback with an unexpected cold front, challenging their early spring hopes. The mild weather preceding the cold snap led many to transplant tender spring seedlings, such as tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants, only to rush for cover as temperatures plummeted to the low 40s, creating a risk for these sensitive plants. The promise of spring beckoned gardeners with the allure of blooming flowers, early ripening vegetables, and tomato sandwiches as far as the eye could see. This unpredictable weather leaves us questioning if more cold is on the way.

As mother nature decides what season she will bestow upon us next week, here's what Katy area gardeners should be doing this week to ensure their gardens are ready for the inevitable spring.

Start with a Cleanup

If you have not uncovered your garden beds from winter, now is the time! Remove damaged foliage and any weeds that have accumulated over the winter months. Prune dead or damaged branches from trees and shrubs to encourage new growth.

Soil Preparation is Key

After the cleanup, focus on preparing your soil. Top dressing your garden beds with a fresh layer of compost not only improves soil structure but also boosts water retention and nutrient content. For specific soil needs, consider sending a sample to the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office for testing. More information on this may be found on their website at https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/assets/environment-natural-resources/soil/soil-testing.

Choose the Right Plants

Selecting the right varieties is crucial for a successful spring garden. While I love growing something unique each year, I stick to what I know my family will enjoy eating week after week. Seek heat-tolerant and drought-resistant varieties that can thrive in our region's climate.

Don’t forget to add pollinator friendly flowers to your edible garden to attract bees, ladybugs, and butterflies. When planning flower beds, consider plant height and spacing needs of the plants at full maturity to achieve a visually appealing arrangement.

With patience, we will all be ready to enjoy our bountiful harvests in due time. Learn more about edible gardening and how to curate the perfect garden space at the Katy Home & Garden Show and Barndo Expo March 23 – 24 at the Katy ISD Ag Center, 5801 Katy Hockley Cut Off Rd. For information, visit their website at https://www.katyhomeandgardenshow.com/

About Charley Fisher:

Charley is an avid seed collector and garden educator. Her passion for finding rare, collectable heirloom seeds led her to create Urban Garden Project, an heirloom seed company. Get hands-on advice for the garden at the Urban Garden Project booth and plan to attend a gardening seminar on the IKEA Fresh Ideas Stage at the upcoming Katy Home & Garden Show and Barndo Expo.