LADYBUG SAYS ... WARM WEATHER AROUSES OUR GARDENING INSTINCTS

The month of March is the begining of the real garden work. Garden activities pick up considerably this month as warm, longer days give the signal to many spleeping plants to awaken.

It is the snowdrop that first peeps its head above the ground, often as soon as snow has melted. They grow in clusters and send up tiny white drooping flowers, with bright green dot trim on their irregular petals, and often grew wild as a menace in the orchards.

Little Tete-a-tete and Peeping Tom daffodils, both small in size but big on performance, bloomed right on time this year, the first week in March. Both bloom along with the first crocus (just a few days later) and what a surprise they have been scattered all over the hillside and down the front bank. Guess they did not like where they were planted.

Another delight in the early spring garden is the little purple Reticulata iris that bloom only four inches above the ground. They, too, have moved from their original planted area.

A thorough cleanup of all garden debris that has accumulated over the winter is one of the first spring tasks. Broken limbs and shrub branches should also be removed. A thorough cleanup now will mean fewer insects and less disease later.

The removal of winter mulches from bulbs, perennials and roses should not be hurried, however. The wisest plan is to take off gradually, making two or three gradual uncoverings within a period of several days. With this partial removal of mulch, it will possibly result in a safer hardening of growth as it appears.

Cabbage, kale and broccoli may be set out now if weather is favorable. Also, mustard, spinach and lettuce may be sown as soon as the soil can be worked. Farmer Johns' bibb lettuce, sown February 11 is coming through nicely. On February 28 Black Seeded Simpson was sown. In a recently received catalog, there were 55 varieties of lettuce listed, so one can really have a choice there.

During the month of March before new growth begins, is the proper time to trim spruce trees. This family includes the Black Hills spruce, White spruce, Norway spruce and Colorado spruce.

Prune trees to control height and remove excess growth. The purpose of pruning young apple and pear trees is to develop a strong framework for the mature trees. Peach trees should be trained to be open and bowl-shaped. Young cherry and plum trees should be pruned the same as the apple.

Delay the pruning of boxwood until after early April as too early pruning forces new growth which can be killed.

Weeds are one of the maintenance problems in ground covers. As near as possible, complete elimination of weeds prior to planting will save many hours of weeding later. Treat with an all-purpose herbicide before planting.

More maintenance time is usually needed the first year until the ground is covered. Fertilization and close planting of plants speed ground cover establishment.

Consider the use of ground cover or steep banks, on rough or stony ground or for areas not easily accessible for lawn mowing.

This is the time when spraying of trees and other plants begins. The three essentials in successful spraying are correct timing, the proper use of materials and thorough application. If any one of these is neglected, success cannot be attained.

Reuse of stored fertilizer and pesticides should be checked to make sure they are not leaking or too old. If they are subject to extremes in temperatures, use a small amount as a test sample to make sure it is still effective. Using imperfect fertilizer can cause damage to plants by burning foliage due to chemical changes.

Any fertilizers if kept dry will be all right, if directions are followed. If wet, let dry, then crumble using sparingly on plants, lawns or trees.

With sixty million Americans spending more than a half billion a year on birdseed, it is safe to say that birds are welcome visitors in spring as well as winter. There is no ideal seed for birds, but scientists have found that the black striped sunflower seed is the closest to an ideal, all-purpose songbird food.

A feeder stocked with sunflower seeds attracts mourning doves, nuthatch, cardinals, and finches not to mention the jays, grackles, squirrels and other mischievous critters.

March is the month of great activity and rewards in the garden.