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Master Gardener Learning Garden & Arboretum

Monthly Gardening Tips


Jr Master Gardening
4-H Virtual Forest

 

April

• Do not mow the lawn until it has grown at least 2 inches. The roots are being renewed in the spring and grass needs vigorous top growth initially.
• Plant grass seed to fill in bare spots in your lawn. Loosen the soil to a depth of 1/2" with a spade or rake. Sow a good-quality seed with a low percentage of weed content and a high germination rate. Spread the seed liberally and work it in lightly. Use a fertilizer designed to encourage root development in new lawn areas. Gently water the newly seeded area. Keep it moist, but not flooded. Use a mulch, such as straw, to retain moisture.
• The first grass clippings of the season are rich in nutrients and contain fewer weed seeds than those collected later. Put them in the compost pile or mow frequently and leave them on the ground.

• When purchasing bedding annuals this spring, choose properly grown plants with good color. Buy plants with well-developed root systems that are vigorous, but not too large for their pots.
• Fertilize bulbs upon emergence of foliage with a 10-10-10 fertilizer, using a rate of 3 lbs. per 100 sq.feet. Repeat the application after the bulbs have bloomed.
• When chrysanthemums show signs of life, dig up and divide large plants. Discard woody portions and replant divisions 12 to 15 inches apart.

• Hydrangea is one gift plant that transplants well into the garden after its flowers fade. When the weather warms, plant in well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Don't be surprised if the next year's flowers are a different color than the first year. Blue or pink hydrangea color is dependent on the soil pH. Alkaline soil produces pink flowers, acidic soil produces blue flowers. White hydrangeas are not affected by soil pH.
• Woody plants can be added to the yard to attract hummingbirds and provide nectar. Some common trees visited by our small native bird are buckeye, horse chestnut, catalpa, apple, crabapple, hawthorn, silk tree, redbud and tulip poplar. Shrubs include azalea, beauty bush, coralberry, honeysuckle, lilac.