– Use systemic rose and flower food to control aphids and
provide food for new buds.
– Prune spring-flowering trees and shrubs after blooming.
– Prune and reshape trees and shrubs that suffered frost
damage.
Courtesy of the California Association of Nurseries and Garden Center
– Use systemic rose and flower food to control aphids and provide food for new buds.
– Prune spring-flowering trees and shrubs after blooming.
– Prune and reshape trees and shrubs that suffered frost damage.
– Plant onions and leeks for summer harvest.
– To prevent worms in apples and pears, spray with sevin as soon as flower petals have fallen.
– Check spring growth on roses and fruit trees for aphids. Spray with malathion.
– Check under trees and shrubs for sucker growth. These are branches that sprout directly from the rootstock beneath the soil. Cut off with sharp shears or spade. Sucker branches can sap the tree of energy.
– Plant summer-blooming bulbs now. Gladiolus, dahlias, tuberous begonias and lilies are some of the varieties available.
– Remember to sprinkle snail bait to protect tender leaves and shoots from snails and slugs.
– Celebrate the arrival of spring March 20 by planting a new shrub or tree in the garden.
– Prune fuschias, pelargoniums and geraniums after frost danger is past. This will encourage fuller plants and more flowers.
– Install a drip irrigation system to water your garden. Think about the hours of “hose” time it will save you.
– Mulch the root areas of shrubs and trees. Keep mulch at a 3- to 4-inch depth around them. Leave a 6-inch area clear around the trunk of the shrub or tree so it can “breathe.”
– Build water basins around trees and shrubs.
– Try something different this year – how about aquatic gardening? All you need is a pool or a pond. “Plant” a variety of water lilies, lotus, cat tails or water clover for a new slant on gardening.
