Anticipating a warm spring, Asheville garden center owner shares planting advice
Warmer weather is right around the corner, and, for many, that means gearing up for planting season. Alan Israel is the third-generation owner of Jesse Israel & Sons Garden Center, an Asheville staple for the last 42 years. Being in the mountains for so long, Israel said he’s no stranger to the changing temperatures springtime can bring.
Preparing for Spring
“Spring’s just a really challenging time of year dodging the weather,” Israel said. He emphasized the importance of being prepared for the cold and monitoring weather patterns. According to Israel, this winter has been relatively mild compared to previous years.
Planting Advice
Israel recommends focusing on preparing flower beds and planting trees and shrubs at the moment, while suggesting to wait until the end of April or early May to plant other varieties. He mentioned that the current weather conditions are ideal for planting hardy trees and shrubs as they are mostly dormant.
Customer Response
Customers at the garden center were seen taking Israel’s advice seriously, with some opting to wait a few more weeks before planting. Diane DeWitt shared that she is cautious but not nervous about the temperatures, emphasizing the importance of planting hardy plants. Phaedra Xanthos mentioned waiting until after the frost-free date to plant veggies.
Expectations and Forecast
Israel is optimistic about the upcoming season and expects an increase in customers as the weather continues to warm up. He believes that the warm days ahead will encourage more people to start planting for spring.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Israel advises gardeners to focus on preparing flower beds, planting hardy trees and shrubs, and to wait until the end of April or early May for other plant varieties. With the anticipation of warm weather, Asheville residents are gearing up for a vibrant spring season.
