Get Ready For Spring To-Do List

Is there anything sweeter than Spring?  The air fills with the sweet scents of grasses and flowers coming to life with lush new growth and the nurseries brim with fresh, colorful new offerings. 

Spring is also a busy time filled with a long list of planning, planting and maintenance tasks.  Knowing where to start can be a great help.  Here's a quick primer to get you started.

Step 1:      CLEAN UP

Start by getting rid of all the branches and twigs that have come down over the winter and rake up all leaves and pine cones.  Pests and diseases like to overwinter in the top layer of the organic matter that surrounds your plants, so removing it early will reduce future infestations and help you start the season with a clean slate.

Step 2:      GET READY TO PRUNE

Now is the time to do any of the heavy trimming required to rejuvenate, shape and control the size of your plants.  However, you must know your plants and bushes.  Some varieties will do very well if trimmed back to within a foot or two from the ground, some should only be lightly trimmed and dead stems removed, and others should be pruned in the fall.  Wait to prune spring blooming plants, such as azaleas, until after they bloom.  Remember that different varieties require different maintenance.  Use the internet to quickly discover when and how much to prune and what kind of maintenance to do with each of your plants, bushes and trees.

Step 3:     IT'S TIME TO FERTILIZE

Start by taking a soil sample.  Once your needs are established, use slow release organic fertilizers.  They won't burn your plants, aren't as high in salt content, and are much safer for our treasured environment and water supply.  Finally, add compost to improve soil structure and natural mulches to conserve water.

Step 4:     THE FINISHING TOUCHES

Edge your bed lines and check your irrigation and lighting systems.  Once cleaned, groomed, and functional, your yard is now redy to receive a season's worth of new, exciting plants.

Happy Spring!