Spring is on its way – you can feel it, you can see it in the buds on the trees and the crocus’ blooming. Mother Nature is getting ready to “go all out”. Are you?
Ready to take care of your yard? Keep these tips in mind!
Don’t over water!- Horticulturist, Mitch Hoyles of Western Garden Nursery says the biggest danger at this time of year is over watering. “Now is the time when we have to start watering, and most people water way too much,” Hoyles said. Roots need air in order to grow. Clay soil must be allowed to dry between watering, so the water can be replaced by air to nourish the roots.
Watch your step – Make sure you don’t walk on delicate flowerbeds when they are saturated. Wait until the soil dries. If you compact the soil by stepping on it when it is wet, you run the risk of damaging new growth.
Spring-cleaning, for your yard – Pick up old leaves, broken branches, and debris accumulated during winter. Cut back any perennials that you have. Trim shrubs, and any other excess growth.
Tune up your tools – Sharpen mowers and clippers so everything is ready when things start to grow. Make a note of what’s missing and order tools for the new season of growth.
Check on your soil – Check soil pH with a Home Soil Test Kit, taking several samples from different planting areas for an accurate reading. Enrich soil as necessary. Add dolomitic lime to raise the pH, or elemental sulfur to lower the pH.
Don’t forget to fertilize – Apply balanced fertilizer (6-6-6 or 8-8-8), fish emulsion, or other soil enhancements suggested by soil-test results around trees and shrubs when new growth appears. Spread high-acid fertilizer and pine-needle mulch around acid-loving shrubs like azaleas and camellias. Begin fertilizing perennials when active growth resumes.
Ready to get started? Have questions? Check out your local Nursery! We’ve got some great ones in the area!
