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Master Gardener Learning Garden & Arboretum

Monthly Gardening Tips


Jr Master Gardening
4-H Virtual Forest

 

March

• Apply a pre-emergent herbicide before lawn weeds get started. These chemicals work by preventing the seed from germinating.
• Variegated plants can help add the illusion of light to a dark area. Shade-loving ground covers, such as variegated liriope, ivies, euonymous and hosta, can be very effective for this.

• Protect yourself and the blade of your pruning saw during storage. Make a cover for it using a piece of old garden hose the same length as the blade. Cut the hose lengthwise on one side, and place it over the saw blade.
• A 5-gal. bucket can be converted into a dual-purpose tool holder/harvest bucket by tying a tool pouch to the outside. On the outside of the bucket, carry trowels, pruner and seeds. Inside, collect vegetables or weeds.
• Ice cream scoops are great for digging holes for transplants; the dirt slides off easily.

• When transplanting a young shade tree, it may help to orient the tree in its new location the same way it was in its old home. This will prevent previously shaded bark from suddenly being exposed to afternoon sun and causing injury.
• If buying bare-root trees, look for ones with a large root system in relation to the top growth. It is not necessary to purchase a very, large tree to get a quality plant.
• Potted azaleas will flower for 2-3 weeks, then should be discarded since most florist azaleas are not hardy enough to be established outdoors.

• Once new growth begins on trees and shrubs, cut back winter-killed twigs to living, green wood.
• For more compact pyracanthas without the risk of losing berries, pinch back new growth now.
• Prune evergreen shrubs before growth starts.
• Boxwood should be pruned by thinning the outer foliage of the plant and cutting back the branches to retain desired height.
• Prune spring-flowering shrubs after flowering is completed.
  
  Don't forget to call the York Extension Office for your FREE copy of the 2007 Pruning Handbook