What your gardens need now~
PEST & ANIMAL CONTROL
• Apply Bonide All Seasons Oil to dormant trees & shrubs to control insect eggs and scale. Ensure temperatures stay above freezing for 24 hours after spraying
• Repel deer with Liquid Fence or similar products
• Protect emerging bulbs: Spray foliage with Bonide Repels-All (deer & rabbit protection)
• Keep ants & insects out of your home: Spray thresholds with Bio-Advanced Complete Insect Killer & apply ant granules around the foundation
PERENNIALS & BULBS
• Divide most perennials as new growth begins – Skip spring bloomers like Iris & Peony
• Install Peony cages early to support growth of Peonies & other tall perennials
• Cut back Perennial Grasses to 4” above ground
• Fertilize emerging spring bulbs with Espoma Bulb-tone
After Bulbs bloom:
• Deadhead spent blooms (daffodils, tulips, hyacinths)
• Leave foliage for at least 8 weeks
• Feed again with Espoma Bulb-tone
PRUNING & PLANT CARE:
• Prune Roses & Hydrangeas down to the uppermost bud that develops, removing any plant parts that died over the winter
• Prune Clematis that blooms on NEW growth to 6-12” from the ground
• Prune Trees & Shrubs – remove dead, weak or crossing branches
• Hold off on pruning spring bloomers until after flowering
SOIL PREP & PLANTING:
• Prepare beds: Loosen soil & mix in compost & organic fertilizer
• Don’t work wet soil – If it crumbles in your hand, it’s ready
• Plant early crops: Onion sets, Peas, Lettuce
PLANTING SUPPORT:
• Use Root & Grow when planting trees, shrubs & perennials
• Apply Espoma Tree-tone to established trees
Frost Awareness
• Expect late frosts
• Remove damaged leaves if needed
• Wait to prune woody plants until new growth appears
LAWN CARE – MID APRIL:
• Apply Jonathan Green Crabgrass Preventer + Lawn Food
• Control weeds: Use SpeedZone or Weed Free Zone – Great for cool-weather weed control (won’t harm lawns)
• Re-seed or over-seed your lawn. (Grade, seed, rake in, cover with a ¼ inch of soil, use a starter fertilizer or slow release fertilizer without weed control and then water)
START SEEDS INDOORS – EARLY APRIL:
• Tomatoes
• Peppers
• Annual flowers
• Any long-season crops
MULCH & MAINTENANCE:
• Refresh mulch (1–2”) – Apply AFTER soil warms (55–60°F) & avoid over mulching & mulch “volcanoes”
• Invest in quality hoses that won’t kink, crack or misbehave, before the season begins
QUICK TIPS TO REMEMBER:
- Don’t rush planting tender plants
- Work soil only when dry
- Stay ahead of weeds & pests early
- April prep = summer success!