Strong, dusty winds can take a real toll on a garden, stripping away topsoil and essential nutrients that plants rely on to grow. These winds can lead to soil erosion, making it harder for plants to develop deep roots and retain moisture. Dust particles are also rough on leaves, causing them to brown, tear, or struggle to absorb sunlight properly.

Besides damaging plants, dust-filled winds can clog leaf pores, making it harder for them to breathe and take in sunlight. This weakens plants, leaving them more vulnerable to disease and pests. To protect your garden, consider using windbreaks like trees, shrubs, or fences, and cover the soil with mulch or ground cover to keep it in place.

PAYNE’S TIP: Spring is almost here, and the winds are starting to pick up—so now’s the time to stay on top of watering! Be sure to water in the early morning or late afternoon when the wind is calmer, so the moisture has a chance to soak in instead of evaporating or getting carried away. Watering in the heat of the day can be wasteful, as strong winds can blow water off course before it reaches plant roots.

In northern New Mexico, where the climate varies from high desert to mountain regions, Daylight Saving Time (DST) affects gardening by shifting available daylight hours. 

With longer evening light in the spring and summer, gardeners have more time to tend to their plants after work, making it easier to water, weed, and harvest during cooler hours. This is especially beneficial in hot summer months when midday temperatures can be too intense for both plants and gardeners.

SPRING is in the air and PAYNE’S is getting ready! WE CAN’T WAIT!

Stop by Payne’s North and check out all of the some of our hard goods we just received! From seed starting supplies, brand new hoses to sprinklers and planting accessories — ALL here for you to get you started for a successful planting season!

A LITTLE KNOWN FACT:

In Santa Fe, New Mexico, native juniper trees, such as the Rocky Mountain Juniper (Juniperus scopulorum) and one-seed Juniper (Juniperus monosperma), are dioecious, meaning they have separate male and female trees. Juniper trees purchased at most nurseries are female junipers which produce small, bluish berries, which are actually modified cones that provide food for wildlife. 

In contrast, the male trees release fine, yellow pollen into the air, which is a major trigger for seasonal allergies in the region. While the female trees contribute to the ecosystem by supporting birds and other animals, the pollen from male trees can cause widespread allergic reactions, especially during peak pollination season in late winter and early spring.

Juniper pollen is a prevalent allergen in New Mexico, affecting 20% to 30% of the population. As mentioned above, only male juniper plants produce allergenic pollen. 

The pollination period for junipers in Santa Fe typically begins in February and can extend through March and into April, causing symptoms such as sneezing, runny or blocked nose, and itchy eyes among allergy sufferers.

LISTEN TO THE GARDEN GURU BELOW AND HAPPY SNEEZING

ARE THE JUNIPERS MAKING MY ALLERGIES GO CRAZY?

ANOTHER GREAT QUESTION!

In this week’s archived show from previous years, the Garden Guru explains the “birds and bee’s” of the life of a Juniper tree and which Juniper trees actually make us suffer from allergies. 

Each week we feature the “Garden Guru” himself. Providing information on different topics including gardening tips, fun facts about plants, how to plant and prepare your garden for each season and special announcements.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE GARDEN GURU’S ARCHIVED RADIO SHOW ON THIS TOPIC.

HAPPY GARDENING!

There are several reasons why one might choose to apply mulch in March:

Temperature regulation: Mulch helps regulate soil temperature by keeping it cool in the summer and warm in the winter. In March, applying mulch can help protect plants from sudden temperature changes, especially as winter transitions to spring.

Moisture retention: Mulch helps retain soil moisture by reducing evaporation, which can be particularly helpful in the early spring when the weather is often unpredictable and there may be periods of drought.

Weed suppression: Mulch can help suppress weed growth by blocking out sunlight and preventing weed seeds from germinating. By applying mulch in March, you can get a head start on preventing weeds from taking root in your garden.

Soil health: As organic mulch breaks down over time, it adds nutrients to the soil and improves soil structure, which can benefit plant growth. Applying mulch in March allows for the organic matter to begin breaking down and enriching the soil before the growing season starts.

Overall, applying mulch in March can help prepare your garden for the growing season by regulating temperature and moisture, suppressing weeds, and improving soil health.

For more information or call SAM “the WORM MAN” if you have any questions regarding BULK soil, mulch, pumice or compost at 

505-424-0336.

PLEASE DON’T PRUNE OR FERTILIZE — IT’S STILL NOT TIME YET!

Warmer SUNNY days are ahead! We’ll let you know when it’s time and safe to start feeding and pruning.