WLBZ interviews Garland about spring plants
Kate Garland, a horticulturist with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, spoke with WLBZ (Channel 2) for the report, “Nurseries and garden shops itch for spring.” According to the report, nursery owners who opened early are hoping this past snowstorm is the season’s last. Even with the late March snow, Garland said Maine plants are hearty. “Plants are well adapted to our unpredictable seasons,” she said. “What growth they are pushing this time of year tends to be hardier growth that’s able to tolerate some of those late season cold snaps that we may get.” Nitrogen found in snow may help fertilize plants as it melts in time for growing season, the report states. “Nitrogen is an essential element for plant growth,” Garland said. “Late spring snowfall can bring it in time for the plants to start growing and having it at a time when they can use it up.” Garland also said this is the perfect spring to prune trees and shrubs, since heavy snow isn’t crushing limbs.