Ahh, Spring. Though it is a few weeks away, we can feel it coming and are eager to be back in the garden! In anticipation of the season, here are a few things you can do to prep your yard for a great start to growing:
- Prep your tools! It is so much easier to get gardening chores done with sharp and clean tools.
- Sharp blades and spades give cleaner cuts that will allow for faster healing around any needed trims.
- Disinfect anything that might have residue of disease or fungus from last year – cleaning your tools will prevent spreading the disease again this season.
- Clean up the leftovers. We all do our best to get the leaves and spent perennials up and off the lawn and garden beds before the snow fell, but sometimes the snow catches us and those items stay frozen under the snow all winter. While the ground is frozen, it isn’t a big deal, but once the thaws start, it is important to get that debris off the ground.
- Decomposing leaves create spots where fungus and mold can thrive. It’s easier to clean them up early than to spend the months ahead fighting the effects. Toss them into the compost bin to break them down in a manner that won’t create problems for your lawn or garden.
- Trim your deciduous trees, shrubs and roses as directed below. Evergreens should be trimmed after they have flushed out with new growth, which is later in the spring. There are timings which are better for each type of plant, however, if there are any injured areas, go ahead and prune anytime to prevent further damage or potential disease.
- Deciduous Trees and Shrubs can be pruned in January / February while the plants are fully dormant.
- Fruit Trees should be trimmed in February / March to encourage vigorous spring growth and better fruit yield.
- Roses should be pruned when the first buds start to swell, which can be March or April, depending on winter weather. Part of the reason you should wait is to see if there has been any significant winter dieback (which will only show when buds start swelling on living canes). Another reason is directional pruning. Identifying bud angles can help you avoid poor structure within the rose shrub.
- Seeds, glorious seeds! Part of the fun we have this time of year is starting our seeds for the season. Vegetables, flowers, herbs….a plethora of options and such a fun project while we wait for the last of the winter doldrums to fade away. Read our blog on seeding advice, and come pick up those fabulous little seed packets today. We are fully stocked and ready to help you get that garden growing.
- Systemics are key. As the ground thaws, those roots will start reaching out to absorb nutrients in the soil to send up to the branches. As such, it is an incredible time to put down any systemic products (things you pour into the soil) so those roots can grab onto the product and shoot it up the plant. 3 of our favorites to use this time of year:
- Monterey Once a Year Insect Control; can be applied as long as the ground is not frozen, or overly saturated, at the time of application. This product controls a wide range of insects including several types of borers. It offers control over an entire season.
- Monterey Garden Phos; can be applied as a soil drench, foliar spray or basal bark drench. Covers a large number of diseases including Fireblight, Verticillium Wilt and Root Rots. Can be applied several times a year.
- Bioadvanced All-in-One Rose & Flower Care; contains fertilizer, systemic insecticide and systemic fungicide. Apply in March at the first sign of bud growth and every 6 weeks after for 3-4 applications a year. This product can be used on flowers and shrubs as well as roses.
And, as always, we are here for you. Stop by or give us a call, we look forward to seeing you soon.
Other useful links and resources:
Glover Nursery on Good Day Utah: Early Spring Edition
Get Ready for Spring: March Gardening Tips
