March
Lawn Care for March
New Lawns
Rake and treat seed bed, and apply a pre-seeding fertilizer. Sow the lawn, and mow when it reaches about 6cm (3 inches).
Established Lawns
Re-seed patchy areas & repair edges. Aerate (spike) the lawn & apply fertilizer. Cut when it reaches 4-6cm (2-3 inches).
Prune your repeat-flowering roses and remove dead or frost damaged wood.
If weather is mild, plant out hardy seedlings, new plants and any plants needing a move.
If you have a pond, drain and replace about three-quarters of the water before any frog/toad spawn hatches.
Deadhead any bulbs as they fade.
Hard prune any old hedges.
Give the garden a complete weeding and general digging-over where needed.
Prune any fruit trees or bushes.
To grow a herb garden, prepare a seed bed and sow as soon as possible.
April
It's time to divide perennial such as hosta and liriope. 2-3 days before, water perennials well. Dig up the clump and pull apart with two spades. Cut through the roots cleanly with a knife making sure each division has at least one crown. Replant at the same depth.
It is planting time for trees, shrubs, roses, strawberries and perennials. Get them while they're hot!
Any containerized plants need plenty of fertilizer and frequent watering, especially during warm weather.
Deadhead larger bulbs such as Tulips, narcissus, and Hyacinths. Be sure not to cut the foliage!
As leaves emerge on trees and shrubs, check for aphids, spider mites, etc. and spray with Ortho Isotox or Orthene if needed.
Azaleas, Pyracantha, Rhododendron, and Pieris must be sprayed to combat lace bug. Isotox is best - sprayed 3-4 times, 1 week apart.
Fertilize bulbs again as they bloom. They are heavy feeders and another application will ensure nice blooms for next year.
After the last chance of frost, (around mid April) you can start planting hardier annual. Fertilize with a bloom starter as you plant
Lawn Care for APRIL New Lawns. Mow at least once a week if necessary. Roll to firm turf or seedlings if required. Established Lawns. Mow at least once a week, lowering the height at each successive cut, but do not cut shorter than 4-6 cm (2-3 inches). Aerate the lawn and scarify. Level any humps or troughs. Apply fertilizer if not fertilized with a slow release earlier..
MAY
This is the prime planting month for just about anything! Lilies and other summer bulbs can be set out. Incorporate perennials into bulb beds for an interesting contrast such as Foxglove with Narcissus bulbs.
Early flowering shrubs such Azaleas and Rhododendron should be pruned after blooming and can be fertilized at the same time.
Fertilize and spray roses for insects and diseases starting this month. A continuous rose maintenance program throughout the summer will ensure a beautiful display all season long.
In late May, after the soil temperature has warmed, plant summer blooming bulbs such as Caladiums, Gladiolus, Daylilies and Dahlias.
Mulch flower beds, shrubs, and trees with a fresh cover.
Instead of a daily sprinkle, water plants deep and slowly several times a week.
Prepare beds for annuals by tilling and adding rich soil and compost.
If you noticed holes eaten in your hosta leaves, the culprits are probably slugs. Use slug bait or pour beer in a jar lid to trap them and eliminate the problem.
Lawn Care for May New Lawns. Prepare any sites which for autumn sowing and leave rough for the summer. Established Lawns. Apply sulphate of ammonia. Continue regular mowing during the summer.
Garden Care Plus
