Spring in our gardens...Tips for April and May

What a great time in the garden! As the days get warmer and longer, it's exhilarating to see our plants slowly growing in spite of a really cold and difficult winter in our area. Some trees are beginning to bloom and will come to their full glory in April. Enjoy the beautiful spring flowering daffodils, hyacinths, tulips, and more.

Tips:


Finish your clean up from the winter and fall. Remove twigs and rake leaves if there are any left.


Remove any weeds as they return early! Getting rid of them now is much better (and easier) when the ground is wet. Some flower very early and their seeds will produce many more weeds later in the season.


Plant seeds outdoors now for those early spring cool crops, such as lettuce, spinach, peas, onions, potatoes. Wait until after April 15, our last spring frost date, to plant the summer vegetables such as squash, melons, okra, corn. Shrubs and trees can be planted. If you still have pruning to do, do it immediately. However, do not prune those that have spring or early summer blooms, or you will lose the flowers (azaleas, rhododendrons, etc.) They can be pruned after blooming.


Roses can be planted now. If you haven't pruned your roses, now is the time. Cut out all diseased and dead wood, any branches that are crossing and all other branches that are smaller than the size of a pencil. Although you may not want to prune climbing roses, others can be pruned to a size you prefer, usually waist high.


Many flower seeds and transplants can be planted, such as zinnias, impatiens, begoias, and other warm loving flowers.


Lawns: In spring your lawn will grow very fast so get your mowers in good condition. If you have any bare spots, plant new seeds.

Don't forget to water if we have high temperatures. Check any irrigation systems to be sure they are in good working order.  Check hoses and other watering equipment.

Put compost and mulch around your trees, plants and flower bed.  Work compost into the top 3" of the soil around established plants.

Above all, enjoy the garden.  There is no time like this!