Sunday, March 11, 2007

To-do List for Spring

April

  • To determine if soil is ready to work, take a handful and squeeze it. If it crumbles, then it is ready to work. If not, wait several days and try again.
  • Bait for slugs, and clean out hiding places where they live.
  • Cut and remove weeds near the garden to help prevent plant viral diseases.
  • Plant pansies, if you haven't already.
  • Pull those first weeds as you see them. By cultivating the garden, you bring more weed seeds to the surface, so be diligent about pulling those early spring weeds.
  • When soil is dry enough, prepare your annual flower beds. Turn the soil and add organic amendments, such as aged compost.
  • Cut off faded tulip and daffodil flowers before they go to seed.
  • Sow grass seed early so it develops before the heat starts. Perennial ryegrass is the best grass for spring sowing.
  • Prune roses when daffodils bloom.
  • Mulch to a depth of 2-3 inches and fertilize established shrubs.
  • Remember that some trees prefer a spring planting (i.e., oaks and birches).
  • Keep in mind that cut tulips will last longer if the flowers are wrapped in newspaper and allowed to stand up to their necks in water for a few hours.

Source: Penn State Cooperative Extension in Delaware County

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