Martha Stewart's Late-Winter Garden Prep

- Pruning during a plant's dormancy in late winter minimizes stress on the plant, as it isn't actively channeling energy into producing leaves or flowers. The absence of leaves also provides a clearer view of the branch structure, making it easier to identify and remove dead, damaged, or diseased limbs. - The Northwest Flower & Garden Festival is the largest garden show west of Philadelphia and is considered the second largest in the United States. It began in 1989 and annually draws between 55,000 and 65,000 attendees to the Seattle Convention Center. - A general rule for starting seeds indoors is about six weeks before the last expected frost date. For example, in early March, vegetables like cabbage and broccoli can be started, while tomatoes and marigolds are often started in late March. - Martha Stewart's current primary residence is a 153-acre farm in Katonah, New York, known as 'Cantitoe Corners'. She purchased the property, first settled in 1784, in 2000 and has since developed extensive gardens, greenhouses, and animal enclosures. - Before moving to her Katonah farm, Stewart developed her domestic and gardening brand at her Turkey Hill property in Westport, Connecticut, where she lived from 1971 to 2007. One of the first things she did there was plant an orchard of fruit trees. - Late winter pruning can lead to more vibrant blooms and higher fruit yields by encouraging the plant to produce new, vigorous shoots. It also improves air circulation and sunlight penetration, which are crucial for flower and fruit production. - The risk of disease and pest infestation is lower when pruning in late winter because many fungi, bacteria, and insects are inactive in the cold weather. This reduces the likelihood of pathogens entering the pruning wounds. - After starting seeds indoors, it's crucial to "harden off" the seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for several days before planting them in the garden. This process helps prevent transplant shock.