The last couple of days have been fantastic!! Finely we are seeing signs of spring. Listed below are a few chores you can start now to have a better looking summer garden.
Pruning
- It’s time to get out your pruners and start trimming. For tips on Sharpening your pruners check out this video from Fine Gardening http://www.finegardening.com/how-to/videos/how-to-sharpen-pruners.aspx
- Examine shrubs for winter injury. Prune all dead and weakened wood.
- Do not prune boxwoods before April 15.
- Evergreen and deciduous hedges may be sheared. Prune the top narrower than the base so sunlight will reach the lower limbs.
- Prune spring flowering ornamental after they finish blooming.
Roses and Perennials
- Winter munches should be removed from roses and perennials.
- Complete rose pruning promptly. Remove only dead wood from climbers at this time. Cultivate lightly, working in some compost or other organic matter. Fertilize established roses once new growth is 2 inches long. Use a balanced formulation. Begin spraying to control black spot disease.
Groundcovers
- Groundcovers can be mowed to remove winter burn and tidy plants up. Raise mowers to their highest settings. Fertilize and water to encourage rapid regrowth.
- Start mowing cool season grasses at recommended heights. For complete details, refer to University of Missouri Extension Guide #6705, Cool Season Grasses. http://extension.missouri.edu/p/G6705
- For more information about planting a new lawn check out University of Illinois Extension: Lawn Talk http://urbanext.illinois.edu/lawntalk/planting/index.cfm
- Apply crabgrass preventers before April 15. Do not apply to areas that will be seeded.
Get ready now, warm weather is sure to follow.
