Tree Talk: Spring fever

How are you feeling? This week a local television news reporter proclaimed February 2022 as “the longest shortest month, ever!” It’s enough to make even the toughest North Dakotan sick. Sick with cabin fever. Hang on – with a little luck and cooperation from Mother Nature, we can soon trade cabin fever for Spring Fever. Warm temperatures (yes, a relative term) and melting snow trigger the malady.

Spring is “just around the corner” and we should plan for getting back into the garden. NDSU Extension has prepared the 2022 round of Spring Fever Garden Forums, and you can participate from the comfort of your home with your favorite beverage. Mark your calendars for Monday evenings, 6:30 to 8:30, March 21 to April 11. Topics will include the broad categories of vegetables and herbs, landscapes and trees and keeping a healthy environment. Pre-register by visiting the NDSU Extension website (you will find it, just search for 2022 Spring Fever Garden Forums). The sessions are free and include downloadable reference materials. Don’t fret if you miss a session – they will be recorded, just as these sessions have been recorded and archived since 2014. There is a wealth of information in all of these sessions! I encourage you to check the vast listing of Spring Fever over-the-years topics that are available online - but once you get started, be prepared to be captivated for several hours. It will be time well invested.

Another great online resource from NDSU Extension is “Dakota Gardener”. This weekly column features a variety of seasonal topics offering the knowledge and perspective of North Dakota resource professionals who understand the challenges of gardening and growing plants in this state. Again, do a quick search and you’ll find it.

We have two capable Extension Horticulturists in the state – Esther McGinnis in Fargo, and Tom Kalb in Bismarck. Esther manages the Master Gardener Program in N.D., while Tom heads up the annual Spring Fever event, among other things. In addition, every county has an Extension office with capable and dedicated professionals available to serve the public. In Eddy County, we have some relatively new faces – Tiffany Munson, always ready to greet visitors with a smile, is the Administrative Assistant. Extension Agent Chandy Howard grew up on a ranch in Eddy County and specializing in Agriculture and Natural Resources comes quite naturally to Chandy! During college, Chandy spent summers working in a greenhouse so her interests include horticulture, as well. Donna Anderson serves both Eddy and Foster counties as the Extension Agent for Family and Community Wellness. The 4-H program is an important element of this office and has grown tremendously over the past few years, including great improvements at the Eddy County Fairgrounds.

While many people love the option of accessing information online, some of us “old-timers” really appreciate the option of hard copy resources. NDSU Extension offers publications on a wide variety of topics. Many are offered in print, but even the “online only” PDF publications can be printed if you prefer. If you don’t have the capability to print the publications at home, stop by the Eddy County Extension office and Tiffany will help you! The New Rockford office is tucked away in the Garrison Diversion building at 205 3rd St SE. Or, give them a call at 701-947-2454. Explain you have a case of Spring Fever – they’ll know just what to do.