![]() K (Potassium) – aids in the overall strength of stems and roots and resistance to disease.P (Phosphorus) – promotes development of strong healthy root system and setting of flower buds.N (Nitrogen) – stimulates lush green growth of leaves and new shoots and promotes dark green colour. ![]() Keep newly seeded areas moist.įertilize the lawn with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer: Top dress with compost or purchased soil such as a triple mix (loam, peat and well-rotted manure). If you missed seeding last September, or have bare patches, spring is the second-best time to seed a lawn. This improves the overall appearance of your lawn and helps to keep it from invading adjacent flower beds. Recutting the lawn’s edges in the spring will encourage a clean edge through the growing season. Rake the lawn to remove thatch, leaves and other debris. Spring is also the time to add slow release nutrients such as bone and bloodmeal or granular fertilizers. The soil in existing beds can be improved by top dressing with organic materials such as compost, shredded or composted leaves or well-rotted manure to existing beds. Mulch open soil areas using such materials as compost, shredded leaves, fine bark chips or straw to about 2 to 3 inches of thickness, to minimize the spread of weeds. Watch for “volunteers” of desirable plants. Look for the ones that were bothersome last year. They are easier to pull out when young and the soil is moist. Many weeds can be controlled during spring clean-up. Remove and store any tree wrap/guards and burlap that were used as winter protection. ![]() Do not remove more than 1/3 of the stems each year. This will allow sunlight into the middle of the plant and encourage new growth. To rejuvenate a mature or old shrub, remove a third of the oldest stems from the base of the plant every year for 3 years. If it flowers late in the season, (after mid-June), prune it early in the spring. If the shrub flowers in the spring, (before mid-June), prune it after it blooms. To shape, cut the longest, awkward stems back to just above an outward facing bud. Prune shrubs to remove dead, diseased and crossed branches. If needed, transplant existing shrubs before they leaf out in spring. Divide mature perennials and ornamental grasses, as needed or desired. Replant any perennials that have been heaved out of the soil exposing their roots e.g. Cut back ornamental grasses in early spring as new growth appears. Remove what’s left of last year’s top growth and seed heads. Soil from last year’s pots and planters can be used to top-dress beds, or added to the compost pile. AnnualsĬompost what is left of last year’s annuals. However, if you have shredded your leaves the previous fall, leaf mulch left on the beds will result in organic matter being added to the soil through decomposition. Clean beds by removing clumps of leaves by hand. Matted leaves can smother your emerging plants. It is recommended that you not attempt to complete all of this work in one day. Gardening in the spring can be very pleasurable. This gardening guide lists all of the activities related to cleaning garden beds and sprucing up the lawn. ![]() Many butterflies, pollinators and other beneficial insects overwinter in the dead leaves and hollowed out stems of last year’s plants, and it is important not to disturb them too early in the season. Spring clean-up is an annual event. We now know to resist the urge to clean up the garden until temperatures are consistently above 10 ☌ or 50 ☏. Pruning back ornamental grasses such as Miscanthus or maiden grass is tackled in spring, to make room for new, green growth.
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