Although central Ohio temperatures typically are about 50 degrees in March, the recent weeks of 70-plus degree heat have encouraged spring flowers, animals and humans alike to think spring is here.

The daffodils are not only emerging, but flowering. The robins actively are looking for worms, and the grass already has started to grow.

Does that mean farmers are planting and we can put away the long johns and overcoats?
Not at all, says Jim Kiracofe, administrator of the Licking County Soil and Water Conservation District and a local farmer. He is quick to point out this area still is likely to freeze again before May 10. In fact, a 50 percent chance of a frost exists after May 10, which usually is when people start to plant summer flowers.

“If you have plants sensitive to frost, they probably shouldn’t be planted yet,” Kiracofe said. “For farmers, it’s not an issue, because if soil conditions were suitable, they would be doing field preparation. But because of the current and past excessive rainfall, farmers have been limited on their field activities.”

It is not critical farmers work their fields this early because the prime planting dates in Licking County are between April 10 and May 10. That is the ideal time to plant for a maximum yield potential for corn in this area.

Any planting done after June 10 decreases yield potential because of the fewer number of growing days. Kiracofe said June 20 is the last day farmers can plant if they have crop insurance.

“The big picture is that the field work is not critical at this time, but we are losing the opportunity of spreading the work load out,” Kiracofe said. “After planting starts, we will work 16- to 18-hour days and more to get everything done. (If the fields were workable), farmers could be putting on fertilizing or tilling. But everything will average out.”

While farmers know their limitations, many homeowners already are shopping for those spring flowers. Shelli Berry, a horticulturist at Wilson’s Garden Center, has had people asking about what can be planted. Some are worried about the daffodils that already are blooming.

“Just let Mother Nature take its course,” Berry said. “If we are going to get drastically cold temperatures, then it might behoove them to cover the plants up with old sheets (to protect from frost).”

This is a good time for trees and shrubs to be planted if the ground is workable, Berry said. It also is the ideal time to prepare for spring planting by preparing the soil, fertilizing, and buying cold-season crops such as peas, seed potatoes, onion sets, broccoli, kale and Brussels sprouts.

“It is an ideal time so you are ready when the weather does break permanently,” Berry said. “A lot of people have spring fever about rejuvenating their landscape.”

But she is quick to caution it is too early to plant warmer-weather flowers and vegetables such as tomatoes.

“People are so excited about growing the first tomato of the year before their neighbors,” Berry said. “It is better to wait till after the frost date to plant tomato and peppers.”

At the Licking County Soil and Water Conservation Office, 771 E. Main St., staff members are preparing for spring by accepting orders for small bare-root seedling trees and shrubs.

Kiracofe says these items can be used for windbreaks, shade or ornamentals. The bare-root seedlings range from 6 to 12 inches tall and are $18 for 15, making it an economical investment for the future.

Reservations need to be made before the April 13 pickup date by calling the office at 740-670-5330.

source : zanesvilletimesrecorder.com By L.B. WHYDE