It is Spring once again and time to rev up the
lawnmower and start sprucing up your lawn.
However, if you are like me, one glance around
your yard may send you running back inside the
house wishing for a longer winter. It seems
there are so many tasks to be done that it is
difficult to determine where to begin. The best
approach is to organize your tasks and create a
game plan. Here are some tips to help you get
started on your Spring Gardening Task List. Soon
you will be on your way to a beautiful yard that
will be the envy of all your neighbors.
- Inventory your tools and replace any
that need to be replaced. Was there a
certain tool that you wanted all of last
year but never got around to buying? Buy it
now.
- Clean and sharpen your tools. Purchase
any needed tool accessories such as string
for your weed eater. Are your gloves worn?
Do you have an adequate supply of weed
killer, spray bottles, ant killer, etc.?
Stock up now.
- Remove dead leaves and other debris from
your lawn and gardening beds.
- Prune shrubs and trees. Check with your
local
Extension Office for advice on what and
when to prune specific plants.
- Fertilize your lawn. When and how often
will depend on your area and the type of
grass. Check with your local nursery or
contact your
Extension Office for advice.
- Apply pre-emergent herbicides to lawn,
shrubs, and perennial beds.
- Remove old mulch and apply new mulch.
Your new mulch definitely needs to be in
place before the hot weather sets in,
however, it may be applied at any time.
- Care for your perennials by dividing and
replanting if they are overcrowded. Cut back
ornamental grasses and other perennials as
needed.
- Assess your yard and garden beds and
determine what plants you would like to add
this year. Are there areas that need quick
color? If so, you should consider planting
some annuals. Do you have some
underdeveloped areas that could use some
perennials or shrubs or maybe even a tree?
Decide what and where you want to add plants
and then make plans to start planting once
the threat of frost has passed.
- When assessing your yard, don’t forget
to consider the addition of containers,
hanging baskets, and other yard accessories
(such as a bird bath or bird feeders).
- It is not too late to begin your plants
from seeds. If the weather is still too cold
in your area, you can start the seeds
indoors and then plant outdoors when the
weather is warmer.
- Mowing and Edging – Check your mower and
replace blades and spark plugs if needed and
fill with fresh oil and gas. The first time
you mow you should lower your blade one
notch lower than usual. This will help get
rid of any debris that settled on your lawn
during the winter. Edging your lawn will
make it look nicely manicured.
This list will get your yard off to a great
start for the new season. Remember, though, that
each area (zone) is different so make
adjustments according to your zone and needs.
