Frosty conditions are making it too risky to plant any annuals right now.
Chris Zeisz, Manager at Russell's Tree & Shrub Farm in East Amherst, said this is not unusual, you just have to be patient.
"This happens every year and the last frost in our area is usually around May 10 or May 15, so we're right where we should be, not where we want to be."
If you just planted any young plants or vegetables, they need to be protected.
"Anything with soft, tender foliage on it has to be protected, maybe from a blanket. Don't use plastic as that will make it worse," Zeisz added.
The box wood moth was a big problem last growing season, and it is still causing problems this year.
It can be treated; but Zeisz said it has to be applied monthly.
"It's still highly active throughout our region, explained Zeisz. "The caterpillars' winter in the boxwoods and they've already started feeding on the plants and they will continue to do that through October, causing havoc."
Box wood caterpillars are able to destroy boxwood shrubs in weeks, or less.
He added that the boxwoods can be easily treated but it's a monthly treatment with a product called "Eight" from Bonide, or "Sevin" from Garden Tech. That will kill off the caterpillar. Then you have to allow the plant to come back, unless the damage is too great.
Russell's greenhouseChris Zeisz
