Spring Garden Tips for March/April

Lawns: Now is the time for aeration and liming (to improve the soil’s PH). It’s a great time to get an early cut on the lawn as long as it’s not too wet.

Shrubs & Roses: As a general rule, prune roses when the forsythia blooms. Remember the 3D’s for all pruning. Remove DISEASED, DEAD and DYING branches. Diseased branches should be removed from the area immediately to prevent infestation. Spring flowering shrubs should be pruned after they bloom. All shrubs and roses can be fertilized with an organic fertilizer and also a great time to apply organic mulch. Mulch reduces the amount of watering over the season, protects tender roots from the heat of the summer, helps control weed germination and builds the soil.

Perennials: Make sure all perennials are cut back. The new growth is apparent so it will be clear what to cut and not to cut.

Hedges: If not already done so trim hedges now to reduce work load later on in the season.

Spring Tip: Spring is a great time to go to the nursery and see what is in season and what you like. For example Hellobores is in full bloom right now.

Cheers, Ian.