Spring in Michigan … is it here to stay or are the sporadic warm days tormenting us by giving a glimpse of things to come as we muddle through the next April shower or surprise snow/ice storm? The excitement of the changing weather, the emergence of new growth in the fields & gardens, and new life in the woods & farms generates increased outdoor activity and smiling faces.
The first sign that spring has sprung is the relentless desire to get outside and clean with a newfound energy. Here are a few ideas and tips to stay safe and sane as you prepare for spring.
Set realistic expectations and schedules.
Remember that you do not have to do it all in one day. A good rule is not to tear apart what you cannot put back together before nightfall.
Make it fun. Yes, it is possible. Keep you or your crew energized with frequent snack breaks. At the end of the day, celebrate with a picnic, ice cream run, dinner out or other fun activities.
Take care to prevent falls and injury. Falling is the leading cause of home injuries. If you need to use a ladder, choose one that allows you to reach what you need without standing on the top rung or support step, or reaching beyond the side rails. Keep the ladder stable, upright and straight by placing it on even ground. Keep stairs and walking areas free of clutter to prevent tripping hazards. If you are carrying a load, make sure you can see over it. Ask for help if it is too heavy to carry alone.
Relax and enjoy the world around you.
Experience the enjoyment of watching birds around your home. Birds are a delightful presence in any backyard, adding an element of natural beauty. Birds are essential to the local ecosystem. They help control pests. They help pollinate plants. They spread seeds.
Preparing to attract unique birds. All birds carry unique colors and traits that make them interesting to watch. Some can be more interesting than others. Two birds that are fun to attract and watch are the Oriole and the Hummingbird. Early spring preparations will have them visiting your yard all summer long.
Orioles. Baltimore Orioles got their name from their bold orange-and-black plumage: they sport the same colors as the heraldic crest of England’s Baltimore family (who also gave their name to Maryland’s largest city).
Unlike robins and many other fruit-eating birds, Baltimore Orioles seem to prefer only ripe, dark-colored fruit.
Get ready in early May for the Orioles to migrate to your area. Find a bright colored feeder, cut oranges in half, and hang them from trees or shepherd’s hooks to invite orioles into your yard.
Special oriole feeders filled with sugar water supplement the flower nectar that Baltimore Orioles gather. You can even put out small amounts of grape jelly to attract these nectar-eaters.
Hummingbirds. Many hummingbirds spend the winter in Central America or Mexico and migrate north to their breeding grounds in the southern United States as early as February, and to areas further north later in the spring. See the hummingbird Migration Map here.
A hummingbird can travel as far as 23 miles in one day. However, during migration as they cross the Gulf of America they may cover up to 500 miles at a time. Their average speed in direct flight is 20-30 mph, and up to three times that fast during courtship dives.
Get ready in early May for hummingbirds to migrate to your area. Find a hummingbird feeder, fill it with a mixture of four parts water to one part sugar, and get it hung before the migration hits your area.
Other birds. No birdseed appeals to every bird; each has its own preference. Learn what your favorite birds like to eat. If you have to choose one feed type, sunflower seeds are a favorite among most birds, including cardinals, chickadees, mourning doves, juncos, tufted titmice and goldfinches.
Medium cracked corn is popular with ground-feeding birds but keep the piles small to prevent spoilage.
Suet attracts insect-eating and seed-eating birds. American robins, bluebirds and mockingbirds prefer fruity feed.
Relax and enjoy spring garden and yard preparation.
Farm & Garden. It is exciting to watch farmers prepare their fields in anticipation of the summer crops and fall harvest. Some take that inspiration to a smaller scale and create their own garden for their own organic fruits and vegetables.
With many of us having limited time or just driven to get projects done, it is easy to put ourselves at risk and tending to an injury rather than to our garden. If you experience shortness of breath or muscle weakness, take a break. Drink plenty of liquids (preferably water vs. alcohol or high-sugar drinks), wear the proper sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, other apparel, and wear gloves. A safe day in the garden, yard, or fields is much more rewarding when is does not include a trip to the emergency room.
Asparagus is a springtime favorite for many. Michigan is the top asparagus grower in the country! More than 100 families throughout Michigan produce roughly 20 million pounds of Michigan Asparagus annually to be distributed throughout the United States. Oceana County, known as the “asparagus capital of the world,” is also home to the National Asparagus Festival, which includes a parade and the crowning of the Asparagus Queen.
With an established asparagus patch, in April, prune back all of last year’s growth.
This is relatively simple to do with a pair of hedge trimmers or even pruners. Cut the old growth as close to the ground as you are able to.
You can compost last year’s growth or shred it and use it as mulch around the asparagus bed.
You are ready to witness the jaw dropping explosion of asparagus at the end of April/first part of May as it can grow a 1/2 inch per hour under ideal conditions.
Spring is an exciting time of year for hope and great things to come in the summer. Enjoy yourself and your surroundings while you safely get your projects done and enjoy Springtime in Michigan.
