Experts say avoid urge to start planting season early

WAUKESHA (WITI) -- Spring is here in name. But experts are urging you to avoid jumping the gun on the planting season.

Because of our months of wintry weather, it may be a few more weeks until you can truly think spring when it comes to planting flowers or a garden.

Consumer Horticulture Educator Ann Wied says it could be May before the ground is even ready.

"The rain is such a draw back because the soil is too wet, soil is too cold," said Wied. "Spring is pretty much slow to arrive. We haven't really had a lot of warm days to warm up the soil."

Meanwhile, lush foliage has been hanging out at nursery's like Bluemel's Garden and Landscape Center in Greenfield. Workers there are expecting a big rush soon.

"People are calling for sod, we've done some top soil deliveries," said John Lewandowski of Bluemel's.

Lewandowski says although folks are extremely eager to begin the planting season, you may want to use this time to evaluate your garden.

"Taking a look at flower beds and seeing where some of the mulch washed away....do some pruning on non spring blooming shrubs," said Lewandowski.

Wied says April may not be a total washout for gardeners.

"You can plant trees shrubs and perennials now, they like to be planted at this time of year, they have no problem when the soil is cold," said Wied.

Hopefully by Mother's Day, you can really begin to get your hands dirty.