As winter holds Franklin County, PA, in its grip, local master gardeners are not idle. With the arrival of seed and plant catalogues in January, garden enthusiasts begin dreaming of their spring and summer gardens. This is a time for planning rather than planting, as the actual gardens lie dormant under the frost.
February marks a shift from dreaming to detailed planning for many home gardeners. Decisions are made about which vegetables, herbs, or flowers to grow, considering what will best suit their garden’s conditions. An essential step in this planning process involves understanding the specific needs of their yard, such as the amount of sunlight available—full sun, partial sun/shade, or full shade—and whether the site tends to be wet or dry.
To ensure the health and success of their future plants, gardeners are advised to have their soil tested. Penn State offers soil testing through its Extension Offices for a nominal fee of around $10. These tests provide valuable information about the soil’s condition and what amendments might be necessary for optimal plant growth. Gardeners can obtain these tests by calling the Franklin County Extension Office at 717-263-9226.
In addition to soil testing, selecting the right plants is crucial and can be aided by consulting catalog descriptions, seed packets, and plant markers. Knowing the specific requirements and characteristics of each plant can significantly increase the chances of a successful garden.
An important update for local gardeners is the new classification of Franklin County in the 2023 USDA Hardiness Zone map. The county is now categorized as Zone 7a, which influences the types of plants suited to the local climate and growing conditions.
For those planning to grow warm-season crops like tomatoes, melons, eggplants, and cucumbers, monitoring soil temperature is crucial. Franklin County gardeners can access daily soil temperature readings provided by Cornell University at Cornell’s Soil Temperature Guide.
As the cold months continue, Franklin County’s master gardeners remain busy with preparation and planning, setting the stage for vibrant and fruitful gardens in the coming warmer months.
