3.7.26 - Spring Forward
Episode Transcript
Folks, if you've been missing my voice, I’ve got exciting news: I’m back to weekly episodes! That's right—no more bi-weekly waits as outdoor gardening starts to ramp up. The ground's thawing, the birds are buzzing, and the bees are chirping. … Wait. It's time to roll up those sleeves. This week, we're diving into the March 7th through 13th action plan: Daylight Saving Time shakes things up, plus some prime planting and prep tips to get your garden leaping into spring. We'll also break down the weather forecast—because nothing says "gardener's delight" like planning around a potential thunderstorm tango. Stick around, grab your trowel, and let's keep growing!
**[TRANSITION MUSIC]**
Alright, let's kick things off with a calendar heads-up that's equal parts joy and "ugh, why?"—Daylight Saving Time. On Sunday, March 9th, we spring our clocks forward one hour. Lose that sleep, gain that evening light—sunset won't hit until after 7:30 PM by mid-month. For us gardeners, this is gold. Those extra rays mean more time after work to tuck in seedlings or just sit back with a cold one, watching the perennials wake up. Pro tip: Set your clocks Saturday night, and use that "lost" hour to clean up your pansies or scout your beds for winter casualties. Your future self—and your plants—will thank you.
Speaking of scouting... let's talk onions. If you're like me, there's nothing like pulling a fresh bulb from your own patch in June. This week—ideally early, like the 7th or 8th while the soil's still cool and moist—is prime time to plant onion sets. Grab those small, dormant bulbs from your local nursery—think 'Red Baron' for zing or 'Stuttgarter' for keepers. Dig 'em in about 1-2 inches deep, 4-6 inches apart, pointy end up, in well-drained soil with a pH around 6.5. Mulch lightly to hold in moisture, and boom—you're on track for a harvest that'll make your summer salads sing. Just watch for that warmth spike we're expecting; onions love steady cool starts, so don't dawdle.
Next up: strawberries. If your beds are anything like mine after a soggy winter, those dead leaves are hanging on like stubborn houseguests. Hit 'em hard this week—clear out the old foliage from your strawberry plants to cut down on disease and pests. Use clean pruners or just your gloved hands; aim for March 10th or 11th when things dry out a bit. This isn't just cleanup—it's a reset. Fresh air and light hit those crowns, boosting runner production and fruit set come June.
And for the perennials among us—rhubarb lovers, this is your moment. Dividing rhubarb plants keeps 'em vigorous and prevents that "all leaves, no stalks" drama. Later this week, lift those crowns with a sharp spade—aim for divisions with at least 3-4 buds each. Replant 'em 3 feet apart in rich, well-drained soil, with the buds just peeking above ground. Water deeply, mulch to suppress weeds, and by next year, you'll have a patch that's the envy of the neighborhood pie social. Rhubarb's tough as nails here in the Valley, but dividing now gives it that spring boost before the heat cranks up.
Whew, that's your garden to-do list—straightforward, satisfying, and oh-so-satisfying to check off. But hold onto your hats, because Mother Nature's got her own script this week. Let's break down the forecast for the Mid-Ohio Valley, March 7 through 13. I'll keep it real: It's a rollercoaster, but we've seen worse.
First off, that record-breaking warmth? It's sticking around through Saturday afternoon. We're talking temps 20 to 30 degrees above normal—highs pushing 70s, maybe even low 80s in spots. It'll feel like a sneak peek at May, perfect for those onion sets and rhubarb digs. Get outside early while it's crisp; that afternoon sun will melt you like butter on cornbread.
But here's the plot twist: Severe thunderstorms are possible Saturday afternoon and evening. The main villain? Damaging wind gusts up to 60-70 mph that could snap young branches or topple your cold frames. A few tornadoes aren't off the table, especially down in southeast Ohio and northern West Virginia, and isolated hail could pummel any tender shoots you've got poking up. Stay tuned to local radar—apps like Weather Underground or the National Weather Service are your best friends.
On top of that, localized flash flooding's in the cards for the same areas Saturday. Saturated soils from our wet winter plus slow-moving or training storms? Yeah, that brief downpour could turn low spots into kiddie pools. If you're in a flood-prone yard, elevate pots and clear gutters now. No sense in losing your starters to a surprise swim.
Then, Sunday brings the hero: a cold front sweeps in, cooling things off to seasonal norms—highs in the 50s, maybe a stray shower. But don't bunker down; temps rebound quick early next week, back to balmy by Tuesday. Overall, it's a "plant now, protect later" vibe. Layer up for the chill snap, but keep that optimism high—spring's not messing around this year.
**[TRANSITION MUSIC]**
And there you have it, friends—your *Keep Growing* roadmap for March 7 to 13. From clock tricks to storm watches, we've got the tools to thrive. Remember, gardening's as much about rolling with the weather as it is the weeding. What's one thing you're tackling this week? Hit me up on X at @bobsmarket or shoot an email to keepgrowing at bobsmarket.com — love hearing your wins and woes.
Before we sign off, a couple quick plugs to keep the momentum going. Keep an eye on our website, bobsmarket.com—we're gearing up to announce the date for our Spring Color Tour in April. Think vibrant flowers, expert chats, and greenhouse scenery that'll make your green thumb itch. Mark your calendars; details drop soon.
And if you're craving a break from the beds, swing by our Belpre location on Friday, March 13th, for a yummy lobster snack from Cousin's Maine Lobster Truck. Fresh rolls, buttery bites—it's the perfect reward after a week of digging in. We'll see you there!
That's a wrap for this week on the *Keep Growing Podcast*. Thanks for tuning in—I'm John Morgan, reminding you: The best gardens start with one step... or one set of onions. Until next time, keep growing!
**[OUTRO MUSIC]**
**[END OF EPISODE]**
