3.28.26 - Cold Crops
Spring Color Tour Information
Episode Transcript
Hey there, fellow dirt lovers! Welcome to another episode of the Keep Growing Podcast, right here in the heart of the Mid-Ohio Valley. I'm your host, John Morgan, coming at you from Bob’s Market HQ.
It's the tail end of March 2026—spring is officially knocking, even if the weather's playing a little hard to get. Let's dive into what you should be doing in the garden from March 28 through April 3.
Lingering Pruning Tasks
First up: finish any lingering pruning tasks while things are still mostly dormant. Get out there and tidy up those fruit trees, roses, and spring-flowering shrubs (but wait on the ones that bloom early—save their big haircut for right after they flower).
Think of it like giving your plants a fresh haircut before prom. A clean cut now means stronger, healthier growth once the real warmth hits. Pro tip: use sharp, sanitized tools so you don't spread any sneaky diseases. Your plants will thank you with bigger blooms and better fruit later.
Spring Refresh for Houseplants
Next, give your indoor jungle a little love too—re-pot houseplants for that spring refresh. If roots are circling the bottom of the pot like they're training for a marathon, it's time for a bigger home with some fresh, fluffy potting mix.
I did a bit of houseplant maintenance in my own office this week. I have a Kimberly fern that didn’t weather the dry winter air too well. Nothing a big trim can’t fix.
Watch for Asparagus Beetles
Out in the veggie patch, keep a sharp eye on those emerging asparagus spears. Those little stripy troublemakers—asparagus beetles—love to show up like uninvited guests at a picnic.
You know the ones: bright orange with black spots, munching away like they've got a lifetime supply of free buffet tickets. Hand-pick 'em early and drop them in soapy water. Catching them now saves you a headache once harvest kicks in. If you're growing asparagus for the first time, you're in for a treat—nothing beats that fresh, spring flavor straight from the bed.
Planting Onions and Cold Crops
Time to get some planting done! Plant onion sets this week—they're forgiving and love the cool soil we're still sitting in. Push those little bulbs into loose, well-drained dirt about 1-2 inches deep, pointy side up. You'll be thanking yourself come summer when you've got homegrown onions for everything from burgers to salads.
And hey, swing by local Bob's because cabbage, kale, broccoli, and other cold-hardy crops are now available as transplants. These guys are tough—they laugh at a light frost and will give you early harvests before the summer heat rolls in.
Pop them in the ground (or raised beds) and you'll have fresh greens in no time. Nothing beats walking out to the garden and grabbing ingredients for dinner on the spot.
Weather Outlook for the Week
Now, let's talk weather, because around here it changes faster than my mind buying seeds for the garden.
Saturday (March 28) looks mostly clear with highs brisk in the 50s. As that high pressure slides east Saturday night, watch for freeze conditions, especially in low spots, with frost possible too. The air is super dry, so cover those tender new transplants or young perennials if they're out already—better safe than sorry.
Then unseasonably warm air rolls in early next week, pushing temps into the 80s. Mid to late week brings a system with chances for showers and thunderstorms, but it might mess with the heat and leave us with a cooler, wetter finish. Classic Ohio Valley spring—dress in layers and keep an eye on the forecast.
Closing Remarks
All Bob's Market locations are now open for the season. Head over to bobsmarket.com for individual store hours and to see everything we've got growing.
Mark your calendars for the Spring Color Tour of our massive greenhouse facility—it's happening Saturday, April 11th at 2 pm in Mason, WV. Join us for a guided behind-the-scenes tour, tasty snacks, and door prizes. It's the perfect way to get inspired for your own garden and see the magic happening up close.
That's a wrap for this week, friends. Get out there, get your hands dirty, and remember: even if a late frost nips at your toes, we've got your back at Bob's. Until next time, keep growing.
