Little, colorful signs of spring blooms are coming out. As you head outdoors, here are some tips for lawn and garden care during this time of the year.
These are compiled from various free publications written by Purdue specialists Rosie Lerner and Michael Dana. For more information, please visit the-education-store.com.
Lawn
It is best to fertilize grass lightly in spring and early summer. Applying high rates of nitrogen in spring stimulates excess leaf growth at the expense of root growth. Not only does this force you to mow more often, it reduces turf quality during the summer.
High rates of spring and summer nitrogen can also stimulate disease, weed and insect activity. If you are applying some spring fertilizer, avoid products with mostly quick-release nitrogen. Herbicide for crabgrass prevention should be applied before it emerges.
Landscape plants
Trees and shrubs that flower before the end of June should be pruned immediately after flowering. Flower buds develop during the previous season’s growth, thus the flowers for the current year’s bloom developed last year and overwintered in the bud.
If pruned before spring flowering, the flower buds will be removed, thus eliminating flowering. Allow foliage of spring flowering bulbs to remain in place after blooms fade. Leaves manufacture the food reserves, which are then stored in the bulb for a repeat showing next year. Follow a spray schedule to keep home-orchard crops pest free.
While trees are in bloom, use fungicide sprays without insecticide to avoid injuring bees. Follow label directions. More information is available in the Purdue Extension article “Managing Pests in Home Fruit Plantings.”
Indoor plants
Apply fertilizer to houseplants according to label directions as days grow brighter and longer and new growth begins. Foliage plants require relatively high nitrogen fertilizer, while blooming plants thrive on formulations that are higher in phosphorus.
Many indoor plants can be moved to shady locations outdoors, but only after the danger of frost has passed. Plants will dry out more often outdoors, so keep a close eye on soil moisture. Sinking the pots in soil will help slow down moisture loss.
Vegetable gardening
Ideal conditions for growing vegetables include full sun, well-drained soil, away from trees and shrubs, close to a source of water and reasonably level ground. If you are short on space, try interplanting a fast-growing crop with a slower growing crop, so that by the time the slower grower needs more space the faster one has been harvested. For example, mix radish and carrot seeds together when planting.
If your soil is too compacted or poorly drained, consider making a raised bed garden. Plant frost-tender plants after the danger of frost has passed. This includes warm-season vegetables (such as tomatoes, peppers, eggplant and vine crops).
Sarah Hanson is the Purdue Extension Johnson County director and the agriculture and natural resources educator. Send comments to editorial@therepublic.com.
