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By Eileen Mozinski Schmidt Special to Conley Media For those feeling the urge to get out and get planting, area experts have a few ideas for the early spring season. To prepare the soil, Becca Haut recommends stirring it up. "Especially if it's got some rocks. Whatever has come in with the plow, if they can get in and till a lit- tle bit," said Haut, president and owner of Waukesha Floral & Greenhouse. Haut said adding some fresh top soil in the spring can help freshen up the nutrients. In terms of vegetables, cole crops like Brussel sprouts and lettuce can be planted in slightly cooler temps, according to Zannah Crowe, educa- tional horticulturist at Heyden's Gardens in Cedarburg. "This is also a time of year you could plant potatoes," she said. Crowe cautioned against working the soil too much when it's very wet, and like Haut suggested adding a layer of organic matter. "You can purchase composted cow manure or use your own home compost. It adds nutrients and it builds up the texture of the soil. It makes the soil more permeable each year," Crowe said. It is also a time to take out weeds, which can begin growing early in the season, according to Crowe. She said seedlings that have ger- minated can be raked or hoed up, while perennial weeds with deep roots should be dug out. At Groth's Country Gardens, out- side Cedarburg and just inside Washington County, Bruce Sadow- ski agreed that now is a good time for cabbage family planting. "All of those could be planted now. You can start seeding carrots and beets. You could take a chance on corn maybe," he said. "You don't lose a whole lot if it comes up and freezes and if you do get it to come up early it could be a nice early group," said Sadowski, the former owner of the location, who said he has sold the business to his C O N T E N T S Over-caring for plants by over-fertilizing No need to shudder in heavy storms with sturdy shutters Hardscaping is among the most popular exterior trends A publication of the Waukesha Freeman and Oconomowoc Enterprise • April 2023 Planting ideas for early veggies, flowers Eileen Mozinski Schmidt/Special to Conley Media Cooler early spring temperatures are a time when potatoes and carrots can be planted, according to some area experts. Cole family vegetables, like lettuce, are also a good planting option, said Zannah Crowe, educational horticulturist at Heyden's Gardens in Cedarburg. See EARLY PLANTS/PAGE 2 Spring Home & Garden Special Edition

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