What we are doing in our gardens in Early Spring!
Fertilize Trees and Shrubs
It is best to fertilize trees and shrubs in the early spring right before they begin actively growing for the season. We recommend a good organic fertilizer such as out Dr. Earth or Espoma. Both brands have a many different all-purpose or specialty fertilizer for all your needs.
Apply a Pre-Emergent
A pre-emergent helps prevent weed seeds by preventing them from germinating and growing in the first place. But with pre-emergents timing is crucial. First applications of a pre-emergent should occur right when you see those first bright yellow blooms of the forsythia or crocus or when soil temperatures are round 55° (which usually is when daytime temps reach mid 60’s). It is also important to note that pre-emergents will prevent ALL seeds from sprouting, not just weed seeds, so it should not be used in areas where you are looking to grow grass seed or in a vegetable garden where you will be directly sowing seeds. There are both conventional and organic pre-emergent options available. This is also the best time to start applications of a weed and feed product for your lawn.
Start Warm Season Seeds
Start warm season vegetable seeds approximately 6 weeks before the frost date, which in our area is the end of April. Some cool weather seeds can be direct sown into the garden now. Check seed packets for exact sowing time recommendations for the specific varieties you are planting.
Plant Cool Weather Annuals
Even though the nights are still chilly, give in to a bit of spring fever and plant your early spring flowering annuals like Pansies and Primrose now. The bright colors of the blooms can brighten up planters and beds if the soil is thawed enough to be worked. Try not to walk on or overwork wet soil in your gardens as this can cause compaction and damage to the delicate soil structure, leading to drainage issues and unhealthy plants.
