Preparing Your Landscape for Spring
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Not sure where to start? Preparing your landscape for Spring can be overwhelming but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some tips to get you started!
Begin preparing your landscape for spring by walking through your property and make notes of what areas need attention.
Remove broken branches, leaves and other debris from the beds.
Remove dead leaves and stalks from perennials and ornamental grasses.
Remove any dead stems from shrubs to allow it to grow stronger.
Check beds for any excessive mulch which could cause problems for emerging perennials.
Now is the time to add compost “natures slow release fertilizer” to the soil if you choose to use organic methods of gardening.
Espoma has a line of organic fertilizer, Plant Tone, Garden Tone, Holly Tone and Tree Tone which is a great way to give your plants the necessary nutrients as they wake up from winter dormancy.
Dr. Earth also has an excellent all-purpose fertilizer called Life. This high quality fertilizer supplies Pro-Biotic beneficial soil microbes to the soil.
Preen Weed Preventer with Plant Food can be applied to the beds before mulching. This will prevent the emergence of weeds in the garden and fertilize at the same time. This product will last up to 3 months
Preen Organic Weed Preventer can be used in your vegetable garden. This will last 4 to 6 weeks. It uses Corn Gluten meal as its active ingredient
Check plants and shrubs for signs of scale. A horticultural oil such as Bonide Earth-tone Horticultural Oil can be applied.
Spring is a good time to install trees and shrubs. You can visit Reynolds online to view our selection of trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals and vegetables
Don’t forget to amend the soil with top soil, mushroom soil or compost if it is sandy. Another product that you can use is Coast of Maine “Lobster Compost”. This is a certified organic amendment that has an awesome effect on vegetable plants and flowers.
Install a good quality mulch to your beds to help retain moisture in the soil and prevent weeds. You can choose from shredded hardwood, died mulch or cedar.
Now is a good time to check to see if your pots on the patio and porch are ready for planting. Adding new Miracle Gro Potting soil will assure you beautiful flowers for the summer.
Wait until the last frost date to plant annuals and tender perennials. Avoid the temptation. Be safe and wait.
Pruning Tips
Prune needled evergreens early spring toward the end of dormancy prior to new growth emerging.
Broadleaf evergreens that are maintained such as hedges can wait until new growth emerges for shaping.
Flowering shrubs that bloom summer or Fall on the current year’s growth, Rose of Sharon. Prune late winter or early spring.
Shrubs that bloom in spring on last year’s growth, Forsythia and lilac. Prune after the blooms pass.
Avoid the temptation to prune Hydrangea. You will miss out on beautiful flower blooms in May.
Visit our website for many great products, ideas and inspiration for your garden! Order online or by phone for curbside pickup at our Garden Center or convenient home delivery.