As temperatures rise to our favorite spring averages- here are a few things to keep in mind.
Remove any dead debris from perennials in your landscape that wasn't removed last fall. Trim back those roses (about 1/2 of the last years size can be removed). Prune all summer and fall flowering shrubs back: at least 1/3 to 1/2 of the growth can be removed. **Remember do NOT prune back spring flowering shrubs, like lilac, forsythia or azalea, as this will remove all flowering buds.
Fertilize your spring bulbs and early flowering perennials, such as peonies, with bone meal to encourage larger flowers and to replace energy lost from winter hibernation.Power rake your lawn to remove any thick thatch areas or areas where fungus problems may have existed in previous years.
Typically crabgrass preventors should not be applied until around May 1st- watch and listen for current soil temperatures of 60 degrees F.Cool crops like cabbage, broccoli, cauliflowers and brussel sprouts can be planted outside. Also get those potatoes in the ground, if dry rot was a problem last year on your potatoes consider using a fungicide to help.
Watch for those early blooming dandelions. Now is the time to hit those aggressive Creeping Charlie as well. Weed Beater Ultra from Bonide and Weed Free Zone are excellent broadleaf chemicals that work well in cool temperatures where straight 2-4D does not.
Start those seeds! Cool varieties like radish can be directly sown outdoors, while tomatoes, peppers and melons can be started indoors and set out in approximately 3 weeks.Apply a garden fertilizer, such as Cluck, to your garden and till for better results.
Apply 10-10-10 granular fertilizer to all your landscape and perennial beds for optimal plant performance.
Apply Preen to your landscape beds as well to help prevent those early germinating weed seeds.