Spring Chores in the Garden

Winter is coming to a close in the South and soon to the Northeast and North.  Vacation is over for the gardener. Now is the time to do those chores in the garden to insure a beautiful Spring flowerland.

First of all, trim those bushes that grew in the summer. Remember some bushes/shrubs should not be pruned in the Fall or Spring, but after they finish blooming. The hydrangea and azelia are two such shrubs. In the South, crepe myrtles should be trimmed before they start their Spring growth. Dogwoods should not be trimmed now. They along with hydrangea and azelia should be trimmed right after they finish blooming.

All dead leaves of daylilies and other dried up foliage should be cleared away. If they are left on the plant, they are subject to insect growth. If there are ant hills starting, be sure and buy ant poison and rid your garden of them.

Clear all dead tree limbs from the yard. These can be burnt and in some cities can be collected by the local sanitation department. Rake leaves from the grass, so the grass can grow.  If leaves can be mulched with a lawn mower, do so, and leave the mulched leaves on the grass.

Outside crocks/pots should be washed and replanted with new potting soil, if needed. Indoor plants should be repotted with fresh soil each season. The nutrients in the soil are washed away by the watering process.

Start searching for seed packets on plants that you might like to grow this season. Buy small peat containers and plant the seeds. You can put them in your garage where they can get some sun, and remember to water the seedlings. The peat containers are ideal as they can be planted directly in the garden — no transplanting needed.  If you don’t want the expense of peat pots, you can plant seeds in egg containers.

The chores that you perform now will enhance the flower power of your garden. Enjoy Spring and get your hands dirty.