It's easier to mulch before bulbs and perennials emerge. Photo courtesy Gardener's Supply
Even if your garden looks dead and gray right now, it is never too early to get a jump on spring. There are quite a few things you can do now that will pay huge dividends for your plants, shrubs, and beds during prime gardening season.
Here are some great tips from some regional experts for early season maintenance of your garden soil, landscape beds, shrubs and trees, and lawn.GARDEN SOIL
“We always suggest starting with a soil test to check for acidity level and pH in the garden,” explains Carrie Engel, greenhouse manager of Valley View Farms in Cockeysville, Maryland. “Depending on the results, you can add lime or sulfur to create a balance.” Engel also recommends adding organic matter at this time, too. “Compost, composted manures, and Leafgro® can be added to the top of the soil, or mixed in as well.” If using homemade compost, make sure everything is completely broken down before applying to plants and beds to prevent burns.
LANDSCAPE BEDS
Tom Nugent, a landscape architect with Chapel Valley Landscape Company in Maryland and Virginia, believes that there is never a bad time to mulch, but that it is most advantageous in early spring. “Mulching before bulbs and perennials emerge is just easier,” he explains. “It is also beneficial to have a good layer of mulch at this time before spring weeds become active and summer drought begins.” Nugent also cautions against over-mulching, which can hurt plants, trees, and shrubs.
Edging is another chore that can be handled in the late winter or early spring. “Proper edging, done with a flat-ended spade, will help maintain the bed shape,” says Nugent. “It also keeps turf and weeds from spreading into the beds.”
In many cases, pre-emergent weed control products like Preen should be applied after bulbs emerge. Photo courtesy Lebanon Seaboard Corporation
Chad Neal, president of Whispering Meadows, Inc., is encouraged by new weed solutions on the market. “Recent years have seen the introduction of pre-emergent weed control for flowerbeds, like Preen®,” he says. “They are great when put down at the right time, but it is crucial to read the directions carefully if using around flower bulbs. In most cases, the bulbs need to have emerged before you apply the product.”
This is also a good time to clear out beds of debris and cut back perennials and grasses. “A great tip for cutting back really big ornamental grasses is to use a chain saw,” says Neal. “First use a ratchet tie, and then use the chain saw to cut the grasses right above the tie.”
SHRUBS AND TREES
“Winter is the best time to perform structural pruning to deciduous trees and shrubs,” recommends Nugent. “This is especially important for ornamental and fruit trees and shrubs.” Neal stresses that you should avoid pruning shrubs with fall setting buds in the spring because it could negatively influence bloom volume. “This is especially true of azaleas and rhododendrons.”
We have all seen the “volcanoes” of mulch around trees and shrubs for decorative purposes, but Neal advises homeowners to avoid the urge. “The overuse of mulch around these trees and shrubs actually suffocates the plant.”
LAWN
March is the best time of year to get your crabgrass under control. “For maximum turf health, a fertilizer application should be done in early spring,” Nugent explains. “This application should include a pre-emergent herbicide to prevent crabgrass and other weed germination.” Neal warns against applying any grass seed at this time. “The pre-emergent will likely keep your grass seed from germinating, so you’ll want to wait.”
FINAL TIPS
The University of Maryland’s Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information website (hgic.umd.edu) is a great resource for a variety of topics from plant choice to getting rid of pests. Also included is a timely tips calendar to help you keep your garden on schedule.
One last tip from Tom Nugent: late winter is an ideal time to “tune-up,” or maintain lawn equipment. This could include sharpening saw blades, cleaning tools, and making sure that everything is in top shape for spring use!
Amy Feinstein is a frequent contributor to ChesapeakeHome.
Contacts:
Chapel Valley Landscaping Co.: chapelvalley.com or 301-924-5400
Valley View Farms: valleyviewfarms.com or 410-527-0700
Whispering Meadows Inc.: whisperingmeadowsinc.com or 410-357-5836
Resources:
Gardener’s Supply: gardeners.com or 888-833-1412
Lebanon Seaboard Corporation: lebsea.com or 800-233-1067
