There’s no lack of yard and garden work in the spring, especially following such a brutally cold and snowy winter. If you’re having a hard time prioritizing which job to take on first, here’s a list of ten helpful and important chores for getting the growing season off to a great start.
•Now is the time to prune and remove any dead or winter damaged branches on trees and shrubs. Prune dead wood from roses and cut back long canes once leaf buds begin to swell.
•Clear beds of debris which can harbor disease. Remove dead leaves and plant material. This will help with air circulation and clear the way for new growth. Push any frost-heaved perennials or fall plantings back into the ground with your garden boot or clog.
•While you are tidying up, it’s never too early to pull weeds. They are already out there and it is easier to eradicate them when they are small and the soil is moist.
•If your lawn is a priority, you can fertilize and apply a pre-emergence herbicide.Timing for application of herbicides is important – if applied too early, crabgrass seeds that germinate late in the season will not be controlled. A good rule of thumb is to apply when forsythia blooms begin to drop, or when redbud trees are in full bloom as crabgrass seed typically germinates after these events. Be sure to carefully read and follow all package instructions when applying herbicides.
•Now is a good time to build raised beds, while temperatures are cool and before it’s time to plant. Ground-level beds can also be dug, but make sure the soil has dried out.
•Stake early summer perennials which grow rapidly once temperatures begin to warm up. The moist soil also makes it easier to drive in supports.
•Divide perennials. This can be done when new growth appears. Divide clumps with a sharp knife, making sure each division has several shoots and roots. Replant immediately and keep well watered throughout the growing season.
•Start veggie and annual seeds indoors. Read seed packets carefully for germination times to make sure the plants don’t become “leggy” before being transplanted into the garden.
•If you didn’t do it last fall, clean and sharpen garden tools and clean pots and containers. Purchase new tools if needed.
•Have some fun and plant colorful containers of pansies or violas to brighten up your yard and entry. Pinch back dead blooms to keep the plants vigorous.
