Gardening expert shares early growing season tips to watch out for

(Fargo, ND) -- North Dakota State University Extension Agent Don Kinsler spoke to the Flag's Steve Hallstrom about early gardening season tips.

This includes starting up lawns, which would be dampened by now-diminished snow piles. Kinsler says lawns can use leaf raking to fluff up the grass. However, he did caution against power raking until the yard becomes stronger near the middle of the May. 

When it comes to fertalizer, Kinsler says turf research indicates the best time to utilize it is when the lawn is actively green. Otherwise, the product is more likely to wash away than impact the growth of grass.

Seeding lawns can also wait until the middle of May. Right now, the soil temperature is too low for the seed to take root, so it is essentially "pecked at by sparrows" at this time instead. 

Kinsler says a key to gardening right now is patience, but do some of the small things right now if possible. Once the temperatures begin to warm, gardeners can safely plant and alter the greens to their wishes.