Gardening the Natural Way

Tips to take you through the whole season.

Flowers and Perennials

Spring

• Loosen garden soil and add composted manure.
• Now is the best time to apply fertilizer that will feed all season-long.
• Prune roses and cut back ornamental grasses and perennials.
• Divide overgrown perennials.
• Identify areas for new plantings. Be sure to use a starter fertilizer.
• Monitor for insect and disease infestations. When pest problems occur, take "first-step" action using natural, environmentally-friendly control products.

Summer

• Stake taller plants for support.
• Deadheading flowers will encourage repeat blooms.
• Use landscape fabric and a 4-inch layer of mulch to prevent weeds.
• Feed regularly with a high phosphorus fertilizer to encourage blooms.
• Water early in the morning or at dusk, not in the heat of the day. Use a ground-lying soaker hose in area of dense growth.

Trees and Shrubs

Spring

• Remove winter wraps when the risk of frost has passed.
• Spray dormant oil to control over-wintering diseases and insects on trees and ornamentals.
• Feed established trees and shrubs with a high-nitrogen fertilizer to encourage healthy, woody growth.
• Prune back forsythia after blooming.
• Prune summer-blooming ornamentals after the risk of frost has passed.
• Plant bare-root trees. Be sure to use starter fertilizer and Triple Mix.

Summer

• Water newly-planted trees well around their trunks.
• Prune early flowering shrubs.
• Prune evergreens and hedges.
• Watch for insect pests, diseases and weeds.