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A few sprinkles may soothe our way into mild May, but April was mostly dry for lower Michigan--about two and a half inches of rain. This is no problem for vegetable gardeners, as dryer soils are workable sooner and provide for early harvests and longer seasons for many crops. Despite the familiar rhyme, flower gardeners also need not be concerned about the dearth of showers in April: the following flowers are especially hardy in dry conditions.
Dandelions are coming on--now is the time to harvest tender young shoots for a nutty treat similar to mache. Raspberries canes growing along the easement of an abandoned home? It may be too early for berries, but the fresh green leaves make great tea--tasty for all, especially beneficial for the ladies.
/\ Weedy patches like this can still yield edible biomass for discerning gourmands.
\/ Shred raspberry leaves just before using, and steep at least 3-5 minutes for tea. Leaves dry well for storage.
If spring fever's got you ready to rip out the lawn for an herb garden or veggie bonanza, use an old kitchen knife to remove the top layer (the sod) while leaving behind a maximum of rich soil.
This will let you (re)move the sod, while saving your back from unnecessarily moving out the good soil below.
Get quality compost bins and rain barrels at reduced prices thanks to the Regional Recycling Coordinating Committee.
The sale is in the parking lot of Dunham's in Frandor (3301 Michigan Ave.) from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. this Saturday, while supplies last . Check out details at Earth Day Lansing, or view the full-color flier with pictures.
