THINGS FOR SPRING

GENERAL BULB CARE
To improve next year's flower show, there are three basic rules to caring for hardy spring bulbs.

#1 - fertilize or feed your bulbs as soon as the shoots emerge with a general balanced fertilizer such as 20-20-20. After the bulbs have finished flowering, fertilize them again.

#2 - remove large flowers as soon as they are spent or faded - this allows the plants energy to be channeled into producing a stronger bulb.

#3 - although we are all tempted, don't remove or cut the green foliage - wait until they've turned that nasty yellow/brown. Green leaves help nourish the bulb to create an even better flower show for next season.

ADD SOME COMPOST
When plants begin their spring growth, a fertilizer boost and compost or manure top-dressing is very beneficial. Even if you rarely feed your plants, this is the best time to improve your soil.

Although we are all tempted, be careful not to get in the garden when it's too wet. If you can take a handful of soil, mush it into a ball and bounce it lightly on your palm without the ball falling apart, it is too soon to work the ground. However, you can add amendments to the top of your beds such as peat moss or compost. Work it into the garden when things are dry enough to do so.

WEED MANAGEMENT
Take care of weeds sooner rather than later - before they put down deep taproots or go to seed. The softer young foliage also makes it easier to hoe them under. Mulches are a great way to help keep weeds under control. See our chemical free section for more help with mulches.

LOVE THAT LAWN
Remember to give your turf areas the same attention. Aerate and dethatch, reseed in areas of the lawn that are thinning; thick growth will help keep weeds from getting a foothold. Fertilize to get the lawn off to a good start. If you are not reseeding, you may want to apply a pre-emergent & lawn fertilizer all-in-one product. A strong lawn now will help prevent it from becoming a weed-patch come summer.

BE GOOD TO YOUR TOOLS!
Take inventory of your gardening tools, equipment and materials. Change the gas and oil in your roto-tiller and lawn mower [if you didn't do this in the fall]. Sharpen the lawn mower blade. Check spark plugs, pull chords, and replace if necessary. Don't forget to sharpen your shovels and edgers to make your garden work easier.

INSPECT YOUR GARDEN
Before everything grows, clean your yard of rotting branches, pine needles and other potential fire hazards. Remember, it is spring feast time for garden pests and insects. Try to anticipate the problems you will encounter in your garden, and decide your course of action. Prevention is the first line of defense against plant diseases. Catch and treat problems early for more effective control.

ORNAMENTAL GRASSES
Cut back your ornamental grasses. You have enjoyed their graceful beauty all winter, but they should be clipped back in spring to encourage new growth.

SHOPPING MADE EASY!!
This is the fun spring task. Be sure to pick the plants that match your site ... full sun plants for full sun areas, shade plants, wetland, sand etc. It sounds simple but many of us forget about what's best for the plant when overwhelmed with its beauty.

Be sure to choose flowers appropriate for spring, summer and fall blooming periods.
Start thinking about what you need to fill in gaps in your landscape or what new plants you would like to try. It may help to take a walk around your property to visualize where landscape improvements are needed or where you might put in a new flowerbed. Think about color, scents, textures, and shapes.

PLANT SOME SEEDS & BULBS
This is a great time to throw out some perennial seed; they will repay you later with a big flower show. Many bulbs, such as gladiolus, can be planted at two-week intervals. When the planting times are staggered, you will see a succession of flowers rather than one show.



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