Gardening Zone1
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MARCH Spring Lawn CareCool season lawns are actively growing now and that means it's time to mow. Sharpen mower blades so you cut, not tear, the grass blades for a healthier lawn. Suggestion - don't bag clippings; recycle them back on the lawn. Trees and shrubsTrees and shrubs that weren't fertilized late last fall would benefit from an application of fertilizer now. Specialty plants, like rhododendron and azalea, enjoy acidic fertilizer. Read and follow package directions for application rates. WeedsAre you finding bare spots in the lawn? Now is the time to reseed with varieties of perennial rye, Kentucky bluegrass or fescue. A dense lawn is your best defense against weeds! Strong to the FinishCool season crops like broccoli, cabbage, spinach, lettuce and peas can be started from seed inside or directly outside once the soil has warmed. Making the Most of Your LeavesSpring cleaning! It's time to rake up any leaves from garden beds. But don't throw them away- make a pile and run over them with the lawn mower to chop up well. Return them to garden beds and work into the soil for added organic matter. Weed ManagementIt's far easier to deal with young weeds in landscape and garden beds now than later (think of all that additional weed seed if you wait). Moist soils making pulling weeds a snap! Ornamental Grass Care BasicsDid you cut back ornamental grasses? It's time to get that messy chore done. Bundle and tie the grass before you cut it to make removal easier and neater. Fertilize spring-flowering bulbs when green growth begins to show. Use a specialty bulb food or bone meal to ensure healthy bulbs and flowers for future years.
APRIL Container to Bowl: Grow Your Own Salad MixStart your lettuce, radish and other cool-season crops from seed, either directly in potting soil in containers or right in the garden. Wait for your soil to warm before planting tomatoes, melons, squash and other heat-loving vegetables. This is the last call to clean your lawn, landscape and garden beds of any debris and branch damage due to winter storms. Think of it as spring-cleaning your garden, and you’ll have less to do later this season! Remove any spent flowers from spring bloomers like azaleas and rhododendrons. Let the foliage of your spring-flowering bulbs fully ripen before removing. Letting the leaves naturally yellow and wither allows your bulbs to store needed energy for next year’s flowers. Unattractive yellowing foliage can be tucked in around other emerging perennials or newly planted annuals for a neater, prettier garden appearance. Roses are pushing new spring growth now, which means it’s time to begin fertilizing! The frequency of application depends on the type of fertilizer you use: quick or slow release. Not sure what to use for your specific area? Check with your local garden center. Tender summer-flowering bulbs can be safely planted after the last frost date. Cannas, callas, dahlias, tuberous begonias and elephant ears will add interest to garden beds and summer planters. Spring Lawn CareHave bare patches in the lawn? Now’s a good time to reseed those areas before the weeds take over. Get your grass in shape now so you can enjoy it to the fullest later! Remember: A dense lawn is your best defense against weeds! Start getting your houseplants ready for their summer vacation: Repot any that are pot-bound. Then when all danger of frost has passed in your area, it’ll be time to send them off to the deck or patio. Spring is the best time to plant fruits and berries in the garden. Your local garden center should have its best selection available for you now!
MAY Selecting the Right MulchApply several inches of organic mulch to landscape beds and borders. Keep mulch several inches away from the trunks and crowns of plants. Learn more Fertilize annuals in beds, pots and baskets. Liquid- or granular-feed them according to label directions. Deadhead spent flowers from spring-blooming perennials and shrubs, including candytuft, peonies, azaleas and lilacs. Use mulch to conserve needed soil moisture for these plants. Plant That Mum…It’s a Perennial!Pinch back hardy mums every two weeks through mid-July. Remove one-third of the new growth each time to encourage bushier plants. Planning a Gorgeous Kitchen GardenHarvest your cool-season crops – like spinach, lettuce, peas and radishes – as they mature. When those crops are finished, reuse the planting area for warm-season veggies to guarantee a continual harvest. Spring Lawn CareMow the lawn weekly to keep grass healthy. If you mow regularly, recycle the clippings back on the lawn – don’t bag them! A Product Primer for Spring LawnsControl dandelions and other broadleaved weeds in the lawn. Use a recommended herbicide, and always follow label directions. (Contact your local Cooperative Extension office for a legal recommendation in your state of residence.) It’s time to stake your taller flowering plants and vegetables before they start to flop. Use flexible ties to hold plants in place, and don’t tighten them like a tourniquet. Protecting Plants From Early Spring FrostBeware of late frosts! Know the safe planting date for your area before planting any warm-season vegetables. (This can be 3-4 weeks after the last anticipated frost for your area.) If you’ve already got your plants in the ground, be prepared to protect them from unexpected frostbite. CrabgrassCrabgrass is making its presence known in home lawns that didn’t use a preemergent herbicide (weed killer) a few weeks ago. Young seedlings can be handpicked, if not too many, or use a post-emergent herbicide according to label directions.
JUNE Key IssuesWeeds are taking over many lawns and garden beds this time of year. Remember, weeds can easily out compete your desirable plants, taking away needed nutrients and moisture. Not sure what a particular weed in your garden is or how to deal with it? Contact your local Cooperative Extension office for assistance with
identification and control. Be on the lookout for slugs in the garden. These slimy critters can be found lurking under the protective leaves of many plants during the day, then surfacing at night to do their damage!
Keep planted landscape beds looking their best! Apply 2 inches of organic mulch to keep weeds at bay, conserve needed soil moisture and stabilize soil temperatures.
Ivy Geraniums: Container ChampionsIvy geraniums are perfect for planters, window boxes and hanging baskets. These “spillers” add punch to containers, with their beautiful colors, attractive leaves and trailing habits. Which Tomato is Right for Me?Vegetables that crave warmer temperatures should be planted this month – tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, squash – all are worthy additions to the home garden. (And keep up with any weeds in the veggie patch – they’ll rob your plants of soil moisture and nutrients!) Easy-to-Grow Cutflowers for SummerKeep the inside of your home blooming, too! Grow cutflowers like dahlias, sunflowers, zinnias and cosmos in your garden – then fill your empty vases (and boost anyone’s spirits) with gorgeous, homegrown, fresh bouquets throughout the summer. Hanging baskets need regular attention to keep them looking their best. Make it part of your daily routine to check yours for needed soil moisture. Liquid-feed those plants according to label directions, and remove spent flowers to encourage more blooms Your perennials may need a little attention during June: Remove the dead flowers of any that have finished blooming, cut back catmint to encourage another round of blooms, adjust any ties on your taller plants, and pinch back hardy mums to encourage bushier plants with more flowers. The Dark Side of Black SpotCheck in on your roses. Fertilize them according to package directions, deadhead any spent flowers, and water as needed (preferably with a soaker hose to keep foliage dry). Add new rose plantings to the garden for additional enjoyment. Keep up the good work with the lawn! Mow as needed, taking off only 1/3 of the grass blades. Recycle those grass clippings back onto the lawn. (Don’t worry – they don’t create thatch!) If rainfalls are adequate, you shouldn’t need to water. If you do need to irrigate, applying 1-1½ inches of water per week in one long, deep application. Treat Your Houseplants to a Summer VacationMove your houseplants outdoors for a summer vacation. Never place them in direct sun – even plants get burned! Dappled shade is suitable for most vacationing houseplants. Seasonings From Mother NatureSpice up your summer garden with herbs. Rosemary, basil, parsley and so many more can be garden-grown, then used to season foods the healthy way. So instead of reaching for the salt shaker, grow some herbs in your garden beds or planters |
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