Gardening Zone 3
|
|
|
|
MARCH Key IssuesLily beetle has been in Southern New England for several years and is now making an appearance in Northern New England...i.e. Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. Check with your local Cooperative Extension office for recommended controls. Another beetle that has been doing substantial damage to viburnums is the Viburnum beetle. It’s best treated in its larval stage; check with your local Cooperative Extension office for recommended controls. Don’t Guess, Soil TestMarch is a great time to dig in organic matter. This should be done as soon as the ground is dry enough to be worked. Have a soil test done to determine soil pH. Pruning Tools & TechniquesDormant fruit trees can be pruned now to remove winter damage and suckers. The Beauty of Planting Bare-Root TreesWeather permitting; March is the time to plant dormant bare root fruit trees, perennial flowers, roses, grapes, asparagus and rhubarb. Seed Starting Made EasyCool weather crops such as spinach, broccoli, cabbage and other leafy greens can be started indoors or, weather permitting, direct sown in the garden. Why and When to PruneMarch is a good time to survey your landscape for winter damage to trees and shrubs. Any broken limbs or debris should be removed to make way for spring. Watch for signs of growth on your roses this month. As soon as you see new growth, fertilize them. Perfect Potting Secrets RevealedDays are longer, and it’s time to begin feeding houseplants once again. While you’re at it, repot any that need it. Check winter stored tubers, rhizomes of cannas, dahlias, and gladiolas for any signs of rot. If found, it’s best to dispose of them and buy new tubers.
APRIL Key IssuesLily beetle has been in Southern New England for several years and is now making an appearance in Northern New England...i.e. Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. Check with your local Cooperative Extension office for recommended controls. Another beetle that has been doing substantial damage to viburnums is the Viburnum beetle. It’s best treated in its larval stage; check with your local Cooperative Extension office for recommended controls.
If you haven’t done so already, carefully remove any winter protective mulch from perennial borders. As new growth appears, fertilize perennials with a complete fertilizer according to label directions.
Following the Path of Deer ResistanceTry an animal repellent to keep deer from destroying your long-awaited display of spring-flowering bulbs. There are many to choose from; visit your local garden center to find which is best for your area and situation. It’s spring-cleaning time in the garden! Rake your lawn and landscape beds to remove any broken branches and other debris from winter storms. Planting and Care Tips for Ornamental GrassesBefore cutting back your ornamental grasses, tie the grass up in a bundle then make your cut. It’s so much easier and cleaner to tackle the plants this way! Bed Preparation for Spring PlantingIt’s time to ready your flower beds for planting, from soil testing to adding organic matter! Not sure where to begin? Spring Lawn CareDon’t get crabby over the lawn this summer. Tackle crabgrass issues now and enjoy a healthy lawn later. Use a pre-emergent herbicide on your grass this spring, and remember follow label directions! Spring weather means the cool-season lawn grasses are actively growing. Start off on the right foot this year. Protecting Plants From Early Spring FrostDon't get caught with your plants down! Unannounced frosts can wreck tender new growth on trees and shrubs, as well as early vegetables.
MAY Key IssuesLily beetle has been in Southern New England for several years and is now making an appearance in Northern New England...i.e. Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. Check with your local Cooperative Extension office for recommended controls. Another beetle that has been doing substantial damage to viburnums is the Viburnum beetle. It’s best treated in its larval stage; check with your local Cooperative Extension office for recommended controls. Peonies: Garden RoyaltyTo keep peonies from flopping, stake them as their new growth begins to elongate. 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.) Weed Management: Part 1Keep your landscape beds weed-free with a preemergent herbicide. (Again, always apply carefully according to label directions.) Fertilizer Application Tips for Trees and ShrubsIf you haven’t fertilized your trees and shrubs yet, do it before the heat of summer arrives! Daffodils are ‘Naturals’ in the Spring GardenAllow the foliage of your spring-flowering bulbs – like crocus, tulips and daffodils – to yellow and ripen before you cut the leaves back. 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! Planning a Gorgeous Kitchen GardenHarvest your spinach, lettuce, peas, radishes and other cool-season crops as they mature. When those crops are finished, reuse the planting area for warm-season veggies to guarantee a continual harvest. Spring Lawn CareThe grass can always be greener on your side of the fence…if you fertilize later this month. 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. 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. Perennial Care & MaintenancePay some attention to your perennial border. Now’s the time to fertilize and divide your fall-blooming perennials. Selecting the Right MulchSpring rains have been generous in many parts of your region. To conserve needed soil moisture, apply 2 inches of organic mulch on all landscape and flower beds. Bring Their Tents Down!Be on the lookout for tent caterpillar nests in select trees like crabapples. Use a recommended insecticide for control, or when possible, prune out the infested branch. (Nests are often noticed in home landscapes and on trees that grow along interstates.) JUNE Key IssuesWet, humid weather can pose problems for roses. Be on the lookout for powdery mildew and black spot, two diseases that can disfigure roses. Fungicides can be used to combat these problems, but make sure the diagnosis is accurate before using anything first. As always, only use recommended fungicides as directed after carefully reading all label
information and application instructions. Weeds are beginning to take over many lawns and garden beds this time of year. Early action is your best defense. The first step is to know what kind of weed you’re dealing with before getting rid of it. With some weeds, hand-pulling can actually do more harm than good, and not all weed killers are the same. (It’s important to know what the weed is so the
right weed killer can be applied at the right time. And as always, read and follow all label information and directions!) 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. Inspirational Container GardeningAll your summer annuals should be planted by now, but if they’re not, don’t worry – it’s not too late. You can still to add color and interest to patio pots, deck planters and landscape beds. Need some new, inspiring ideas? 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. Tired pansies can be removed and added to the compost pile now. (They suffer and decline during the heat of summer.) But don’t be sad – you can add new pansies to your garden come fall. Which Tomato is Right for Me?Tomatoes – no matter the type – should be planted in the garden. (Remember to cage or stake the taller varieties at the time of planting.) 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 Pruning Tools & TechniquesIt’s time to prune rhododendrons, azaleas and lilacs after flowering. Don’t wait too long, or you’ll remove next year’s flower buds – these plants flower on old wood, not current season’s growth! It’s best to stake taller varieties of dahlias at the time of planting. (Many large or dinner-plate-size flowers can easily topple from their own weight.) Use twist ties or cut strips of panty hose to safely secure the stems to the stake. 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. Fertilizer Application for LawnsLast call to fertilize cool weather grasses! Always carefully read and follow the label directions on the fertilizer package for proper application rates. Strawberry Yields ForeverGo strawberry picking! And when you do, be sure to pick extra to freeze or use for preserves. (You’ll be glad you did when the snow flies this winter.) 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. |
|
Copyright © 2008 Design Houston Green courtneayf@yahoo.com |
