Garden Calendar: Early Spring

In the Garden and Around the Yard

  • Plant perennials, trees, and shrubs once the ground is not frozen and workable.
  • If you did not do so in the fall now is the time to apply a light layer of Leaf-Gro to provide organic material to your plants all season.
  • Major pruning of evergreens can be done at this time. Start by pruning a quarter of the overall size of the plant and shape accordingly.
  • Once the foliage of your spring bulbs is 6 inches high fertilize with bulb-tone for better bloom.
  • Fertilize perennials and shrubs with plant-tone even if they are dormant
  • Acid loving plants should be fertilized with Holly-tone at this time. Acid loving plants include Azaleas, Boxwood, Dogwoods, Camellias and most evergreens.
  • Get your soil test done now to see if you need any lawn fertilizer applications in the spring.
  • Over seed any areas of your lawn that need it. Apply seed prior to reworking any damaged areas and use a light layer of straw to dissuade birds.
  • For lower maintenance try less lawn and more plants. This increases habitat for our birds and butterflies and limits run-off into our Chesapeake Bay.
  • Clean out any birdhouses and get them placed strategically around your property. Birds are territorial so allow for proper spacing. Purple Martin boxes should be up and cleaned.
  • When purchasing fruit and berry plants remember to get ones that produce at different times to increase the yield. Blueberries have early, mid and late season producers as do other fruits.
  • Birds have depleted much of their natural seed resources so continue to feed so you can enjoy them throughout the spring.
  • Clean your fish pond by removing dead leaves, clean any filter material, and prepare to start your filtration units.
  • If you are considering starting a backyard flock for fresh eggs, get your chicks ordered as the spring is the best time to get them started.
  • Many pets have been limited to little exercise with all of the winter weather so start them off slow and try a food with Glycosamine and Chondroitin to help with their joints as they become more active.