By Jennifer Fairfield, owner Garden Mill
(Publisher’s note: This is the second part of a two-part column. Part one ran yesterday.)
Flower Garden:
Now is a great time to get a jump on weeds, before they get out of control.
The good thing about all the rain we got is that it makes pulling weeds a lot easier.
Most perennials can be planted any time now – sooner is even a little better than later, as you want them to have a chance to get well-rooted before the hot dry weather sets in. This is also a good time to divide late-spring and summer-blooming plants.
Plants that have outgrown their space or are getting bare spots in the centers should be dug up, divided, and replanted. However, if the plant is in flower now, wait until fall to transplant it.
It’s still a little too early to plant most annuals right now. By about mid-month, it should be OK, depending on the temperatures. Remember, all the annuals available now have been living in heated green houses. Putting them in the ground right now would only shock them, and slow their growth.
Like our warm-weather veggies, for these plants as well, it’s better to wait until the soil has warmed up to at least 60° and nighttime temperatures are consistently above 50°. Seeds of annuals should generally be planted once the danger of frost is past.
Patio pots and hanging baskets can be put out, but you will want to bring them inside at night (an attached garage is fine), if the temps are dipping below about 40°.
Trees and Shrubs:
Now is a good time to plant new trees and shrubs.
Prune early-blooming shrubs, such as forsythia and quince, one they have dropped their blossoms, for better growth in the future. Letting them go without regular pruning will cause them to have leaves and flowers on the ends of long, mostly leafless branches. An annual pruning will keep them looking full and give you more blossoms.
Don’t be in a hurry to put new mulch down around your trees and shrubs. Doing so when the soil is still cold will keep it cold longer, slowing growth.
When you are mulching trees, avoid creating mulch “volcanoes” (piling mulch up around the trunk), which can slowly kill your trees.
Birds:
If you haven’t gotten out your hummingbird and oriole feeders yet, don’t delay any longer. They’re here, and they’re hungry from their long trip north. I had my first oriole at my feeder. I haven’t seen my first hummingbird yet, but according to Hummingbird Central’s migration map, they’re here.
Keep your seed feeders full at this time as well. Our birds are busy building nests, laying eggs, and raising baby birds – all hard work that requires lots of nutrition. Yes, there are plenty of insects out there now, but providing easy access to food will get them to stick around your yard, which means lots of entertainment for you.
It’s also time to put out bird baths, if you haven’t already. Remember to keep them, as well as feeders, cleaned on a regular basis to help prevent disease in your feathered friends.
