Green Thumb Tuesday: Early Risers

Like most people, spring bulbs can’t wait until the weather breaks and the temperature begins to rise. Here at Faith Gallo's garden in downtown Pittsburgh the hyacinth bulbs have broken ground. Occasionally in February and March, we have just enough warm days for the bulbs to break ground before winter lets us know that she’s still around and drops the temperature one last time.

Will this hurt the bulbs and what can you do about it? If the bulb is only slightly above ground in a spot that is not to open to wind, the plant should be just fine. You might see some browning on the tips of the leaves, but this will go away as the plant grows. If the bulb is two or three inches high and you are concerned that the bulb has grown too much, too soon, a good solution is to cover them with mulch or compost. Providing a insulating layer will offer the plant the added protection it needs to ride out some of those leftover winter days.

Today's photo was taken yesterday by WPC Landscape Specialist Art DeMeo. Art is giving a presentation this Saturday at the Spring Gardening Seminar in Washington, Pa.

If you would like more information about becoming a garden steward, or volunteering for one-day plantings, contact Marianne Cola at (412) 586-2324 or mcola@paconserve.org.

Take an e-tour of our community gardens
Help WPC's community gardens grow this season

Last chance to Guess the Peregrines' Due Dates
You have until midnight to guess when the peregrines at Gulf Tower and Pitt will lay and hatch their eggs. A potentially exciting prize hangs in the balance.

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