Ready to Garden in Central Ohio?

The warmer weather always gets me excited thinking about the summer ahead in Columbus, Ohio. If you are anything like me, you might also be thinking about fun outdoor improvements and gardening projects in your yard. Mary and I attended the Central Ohio Home & Garden Show this year and brought back some interesting information that you could use in your gardens this summer!

1. Call a Master Gardener Hotline: This is a free helpline that you can call from May through Mid-October, each Tuesday morning from 9am-12pm. The Helpline gives you the opportunity to get answers to your various gardening, insect, tree, flower, herb, wildlife, landscaping and fruit questions from Master Gardener Volunteers. These volunteers address the everyday (and not so every day) questions encountered by gardeners. The helpline is staffed by trained Master Gardener volunteers who have completed rigorous program requirements and have communally docked hundreds of volunteer hours working in gardens, answering landscape and environmental questions over the phone, through email and in person at numerous horticultural and environmental events. You can also email them and attach photos! You can call them at (419) 399-8225 and email them at noggle.17@osu.edu 

2. April is for Root Vegetables & Greens!: What can you start planting now? Central Ohio still has the potential for another frost, so hold off on warm season crops like tomatoes and cucumbers. Root Vegetables like carrots, radishes, beets, and turnips will thrive. Leafy greens like lettuce, kale, and spinach are also a great option.

3. Pollinator Gardens- Good for the Environment AND your Home Value: When done right, pollinator gardens can be a beautiful addition to your home's curb appeal. They also create a positive impact on the environment through reduced water usage and by supporting natural insects and wildlife. Border the garden with stones to add definition and increase curb appeal! April is the perfect time to plant these gardens since the dry summer heat can make it difficult for them to germinate. You can order Ohio Native Seeds here. 

We also connected with a ton of great businesses for home improvement projects from new fences to window wells to a full patio & landscaping renovation! If you need any recommendations for your next home project, shoot us an email at sandra@themerklegroup.com

HAPPY GARDENING!