April 2002
By Mary Bernard, Master Gardener
Springtime
marks the busiest time of the year in the garden for most of us. Now that fair weather has returned, its time to
catch up on chores and start new projects outdoors.
Here is a checklist of things to do as time permits:
·
A good spring feeding should be at the top of your list. If you only feed once a year, spring is the
best time to do it. Plants need to have
nutrients to draw upon when the weather warms and a new flush of growth is
stimulated. Fertilize landscape trees,
fruit trees, shrubs, lawns, ground covers, perennials and annual flowers with a
complete fertilizer. A moderate amount
of nitrogen fertilizer will be sufficient.
Take care not to over-fertilize.
·
Irrigation may be necessary due to insufficient rainfall this
spring. Give fruit trees a deep soaking
to ensure good fruit production this summer.
·
Check sprinklers and drip lines for damage that may have occurred
over winter. Make any necessary repairs
yourself, or consult a landscape professional.
·
Clean up fallen leaves and debris in the garden that may harbor
unwanted pests and diseases held over from last season. Preventative maintenance now will make a big
difference later on.
·
Manage snails, slugs, and other crawling pests before they damage
garden plants. Eliminate their hiding
places, handpick and dispose of them.
Pesticide bait may be used as a last resort, but choose one that is not
toxic to pets and other non-target organisms.
·
Control weeds before they get out of hand. Hoe, dig, or pull them while moist soil makes
your job easier.
·
Ornamental grasses need some maintenance now to look their
best. Shear them back to remove old
foliage and last year’s flower stalks.
New growth will quickly emerge.
·
Prepare garden soil for new plantings. Amend with compost and cultivate or rototill
as soon as the soil is workable.
·
Spring is an excellent time to plant container-grown ornamental trees,
shrubs, natives, ground covers, and perennials.
·
While it’s still cool, plant herbs and garden vegetables like
lettuce, chard, kale, spinach, peas, onions, and radishes. As the weather warms, plant beans, corn,
cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, squash, and melons.
·
Plant spring annuals like alyssum, cosmos, dahlia, delphinium,
larkspur, lobelia, marigold, and petunia.
·
Dig up and divide perennials that have grown too large. Share the extra plants with friends and
neighbors.