We’ve survived a brutal winter. Now check out this handy guide.
— Oscar de la Renta
Downtown Home and Garden
This 100-year-old store sits in the heart of downtown Ann Arbor (above left) and features garden tools, non-GMO seeds, organic fertilizers, and canning supplies. Pots are imported from Vietnam, along with teak furniture from Kingsley Bate and clothing from Carhartt, Filson, Stormy Kromer, and more.
210 S. Ashley St., Ann Arbor; 734-662-8122, downtownhomeandgarden.com
Telly’s Greenhouse
Pansies (above center) are known to be early-bloomer flowers. They begin to grow in the cold weather of April and May, and last all through the summer heat. Telly’s Matrix series has an assortment of colors.
Troy, Shelby Township., and Pontiac: tellys.com
Pearhut
Founded in 2013 by husband and wife team David and Tammy Pereira, the name Pearhut (above right) comes from their last name, which means “pear tree” in Portuguese. The word hut was added for their love of outdoor living spaces. All creations are handcrafted in Roseville, including the hose holder (above) made of stainless steel. Starting at $59.
27941 Groesbeck Hwy., Roseville; 586-779-5942, pearhut.com
NATURAL KILLERS
Homemade — and nontoxic — insect control
You don’t have to rely on heavy chemical treatments to keep your garden pest-free. And sometimes, all it takes is a trip to the grocery store to keep the bad bugs away.
Note: Sprays will also kill beneficial insects. Use homemade remedies only on infected plants. Apply early in the morning or just before dark. Re-apply after a rain. Wear protective clothing.
PESTS: Mites and other insectsRECIPE: Two tablespoons of hot pepper sauce or cayenne pepper with a few drops of Ivory soap into a quart of water.
APPLICATION: Shake container frequently during application. Spray plant from above down, and from below.
PESTS: Soft-bodied insects (mites, aphids, mealybugs)RECIPE: One tablespoon of canola oil and a few drops of Ivory soap into a quart of water. Shake well and pour into a spray bottle.
APPLICATION: Spray plant from above, and from below to get the underside of the leaves.
PESTS: Earwigs, slugs, and other soft-bodied pestsRECIPE: Diatomaceous earth (fossilized remains of tiny, aquatic organisms)
APPLICATION: Sprinkle over plants and around edges of garden beds.
Source: eartheasy.com
BREAKFAST FOR BEDS // MORE USE FOR COFFEE AND EGGS
You’ve probably heard that coffee grounds are a great addition to your compost bin. They’re about 1.45 percent nitrogen and also contain magnesium, calcium, potassium, and more. They can also be sprinkled directly on the soil, or circle the wagons and use them to form a slug and snail barrier.
Another breakfast staple is good for gardens, too. Save eggshells and put them in the compost bin, or crush them up and add them to planting holes. They can also help keep those slugs and snails away.
Sources: organicgardening.about.com, gardeninginthemitten.com
ARE YOU A GOOD BUG?
There are several ‘beneficial’ insects that can help you get rid of the harmful ones — or their larvae. Here are just a few:
NAME: PRAYING MANTISRIDS GARDENS OF: Many pests.
ATTRACTED TO: Plants it can hide in, like tall grasses.
NAME: LADYBUGSRIDS GARDENS OF: Aphids, mites, whiteflies, and scale insects.
ATTRACTED TO: Members of the daisy family (Compositae), tansy, or yarrow.
NAME: LACEWINGSRIDS GARDENS OF: Aphids, and their larva eat aphids and other pests.
ATTRACTED TO: “Composite” flowers (yarrow, goldenrod, black-eyed Susans, and asters).
NAME: ICHNEUMON WASPSRIDS GARDENS OF: Leaf-eating caterpillars.
ATTRACTED TO: Carrots, celery, parsley, caraway, and Queen Anne’s lace. Let the plants flower.
NAME: HOVER FLIESRIDS GARDENS OF: Aphids, and their larva eat aphids and other pests.
ATTRACTED TO: “Composite” flowers (yarrow, goldenrod, black-eyed Susans, and asters).
Source: eartheasy.com
Detroit Garden Works // Seasonal plants and more
From seasonal and special plants (above left) to a Donatello Marzocco lion inspired fountain and everything in between, this shop — established in 1996 — has what you need, including containers, ornaments, and tools.
Detroit Garden Works, 1794 Pontiac Dr., Sylvan Lake; 248-335-8089, detroitgardenworks.com
Planterra
Tropicals (above center) add a touch of luxury and beauty. Outdoors or indoors, this plant gives any space an exotic look.
7315 Drake Rd., West Bloomfield Township.; 248-661-1515, planterra.com
Firmly Planted // Clock
Mother Nature meets Father Time with this decorative clock (above), starting at $150.
1528 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 818-429-6278, firmlyplanted.com
APRIL SHOWERS?
Highest Single Day Rainfall in Detroit: 5.13 inches on July 29, 1976
MONTHLY RECORDS
Jan 4.67 in 1932
Feb 5.39 in 1908
Mar 5.62 in 1919
Apr 6.23 in 1893
May 7.87 in 1943
June 7.98 in 1967
July 10.87 in 1902
Aug 10.44 in 1985
Sept 7.42 in 1986
Oct 8.54 in 1981
Nov 6.16 in 1985
Dec 5.51 in 1906
Source: weatherdb.com
CHILL OUT!
IT’S NOT QUITE TIME TO PLANT EVERYTHING
Knowing “frost dates” is key to successful gardening — especially when planting vegetables. Here are a few Michigan cities and their expected “last” frost dates for spring. These are just “guidelines,” however. Check your local weather forecast for more details. (And send blankets to our friends up in Vanderbilt.)
Detroit May 12
Metro Detroit May 19
Pontiac May 25
Flint May 27
Ann Arbor May 27
Port Huron June 5
Cheboygan June 21
Houghton July 10
Vanderbilt July 31
Source: MSU Climatologist’s Office
CAN’T WAIT? // WHAT YOU CAN DO IN APRIL
According to the Michigan State University Extension’s “Gardening in Michigan” website, you can do a bit of gardening and prep work in April — at least in between those proverbial showers.
PREPARE SOIL. (Squeeze a handful of soil. If it crumbles, it’s ready for planting.)
FERTILIZE.
PLANT COOL SEASON CROPS (such as onion, beets, lettuce, spinach, carrots, and radishes).
Source: migarden.msu.edu
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