Spring is a time of anticipation and outdoor fun brought along by temperate weather. By accomplishing a few outdoor tasks early, we can look for a landscape that should provide us beauty and enjoyment all year. The list of possible landscape jobs is almost endless so lets focus now on the more important tasks. It's a good time, for instance for last-minute pruning.
Prune roses and other woody ornamentals before their new spring flush, this will promote more fresh regenerative growth. Prune plants that bloom in early spring, such as dogwoods and azaleas, immediately after they bloom - if they need a trim.
Credit: Terry Brite DelValle/Times-Union archive
Credit: Terry Brite DelValle/Times-Union archive
Use quality pruning tools that are razor sharp. Don't leave stubs when you prune. Cut just above a dormant bud or close to the main trunk just outside the branch collar. Also consider a brief cleaning between plants if you have some that look unhealthy or have any kind of lesions. It is very easy to spread pathogens between plants this way.
Spring is also an ideal time to fertilize your shrubs. Apply a slow-release fertilizer in late March or early April to give your plants a supply of energy for the growing season. Be careful not to over fertilize though; your plants don't need excessive growth, and the environment doesn't need the fertilizer your plants can't take up.
Keep in mind that not every plant in the landscape needs fertilizer. Mature, large shrubs may not need any additional growth or added nutrition.
Credit: Submitted photo
Credit: Submitted photo
Take a soil test to your county University of Georgia Extension Service office. The test will tell you what your plants' exact nutritional needs are. It a great rule-of-thumb to go by and a great place to start if, like me, you are not sure where to start with your yard or garden.
Credit: Richard Burkhart/Savannah Morning News
Credit: Richard Burkhart/Savannah Morning News
Weed control is critical in the spring. As the ground begins to warm, many weeds are just waiting to germinate. It's easier to control at the early stage or prevent them altogether than to root them out when they are mature and tough.
Applying a recommended pre-emergent herbicide or adding landscape fabric weed cloth or mulch will go a long way to preventing weeds in the flower garden. Apply a 3 to 4 inch layer of pine straw, chips or other mulch material to the landscape bed.
Keep in mind that annoying weeds such lawn burweed and Florida betony can not be easily controlled at this stage. Control of many pesky winter weeds is best achieved by pre-emergent applications of herbicide in the late fall.
Houseplants can go back outside, too, as daytime temperatures climb above 50 degrees. It's a good idea to bring plants back in, however, if the nighttime temperature is going to dip much lower than 50 degrees.
Credit: Courtesy of Cast & Grey Botanical
Credit: Courtesy of Cast & Grey Botanical
Clean up ferns by removing old, crumpled foliage. Repot houseplants that have become rootbound. Start back on the regular watering and fertilizing schedule as the days get warmer.
Don't forget about your equipment. If you haven't done so at the beginning of winter, it's still a good idea to drain and change the oil in your rotary tillers, weed eaters and mowers. Be sure all nuts, bolts and belts are tight and that any blades are sharp. Check hand tools such as shovels, hoes and rakes for cracked or dry handles. Treat them with oil or paint them to protect them and extend their life.
Spring fever is a good thing if it gets you to thinking about working outside. A little work on your landscape and garden now can prepare them for months and months of enjoyment as the season gets warmer.
Richard Evans is the agriculture and natural resources agent for Bryan/Liberty County Cooperative Extension. Reach him at 912-653-2231 or uge3029@uga.edu (Bryan County) or 912-876-2133/uge3179@uga.edu (Liberty County)
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Spring has sprung: Here is how to take care of your garden this season
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