Weeds: Perennial weeds and winter annuals are active now. Chickweed, mouse-ear chickweed, annual bluegrass, oxalis must be controlled now to prevent reseeding. Hoe or pull the weeds as soon as you see them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vegetables: The first asparagus and rhubarb will be up; pick them when they are young and tender. Do not let them go to waste. Remove any flower stalks from the rhubarb.   Get ready for planting tomatoes. Make tomato cages now so you’ll be all ready as soon as it’s time to plant.   You have many choices of plants to seed directly into the garden by the end of the month: radishes, carrots, Swiss chard, beets, lettuce, mustard, rutabagas, turnips and the first sweet corn.

 

 

 

 

Houseplants: Plan to set as many of your houseplants outdoors for the summer as possible. They will receive better light and humidity and natural rainfall.But wait until at least the beginning of next month to set them out. Also, be aware, some plants resent bright light, especially if they are accustomed to dark conditions. Even setting these plants in the sun for an afternoon can burn them just as it would burn you if you sunned all afternoon on your first day out in summer. Shade the plants so that they are not cooked.   Most will need filtered sunlight, not direct sun while others will prefer full shade. You may need to build a structure, such as a planter or bench, or just clear a space under a tree. Install hooks on the porch or a tree to hang planters.   If you have not repotted the overgrown plants, repot them as soon as possible. Divide plants that have grown too large. Dividing them in the spring will give them ample time to recover before they must endure the rigors of winter indoors.

 

 

Lawn: It is hard to tell just when the conditions will be right to get the lawn in shape for the summer. Usually, you can expect to start on Good Friday. However, if the winter has been prolonged, that may not be a very good time. If Easter is late, that date works well.  Plan for the following: Raking – mowing – fertilizing – controlling weeds – making repairs   Have all the equipment and supplies on hand because if you are unprepared when the perfect day arrives, you may spend the entire time getting ready and miss the opportunity.

 

 

 

Perennials: Continue to finish your plans for your perennial garden if you haven’t done so already. By the end of the month, the worst of the cold should be over and you will be able to begin planting. Shrubs: Forsythias are already in bloom.   Spring is the best time to plant most shrubs. Getting them in the ground now will allow them to begin making roots before the hot weather arrives.   Watch closely for aphids. They are the first insects to show up in spring, usually about the time the plants start making leaves.     Now is a great time to plant early spring bloomers such as Forsythia and P.J.M. Rhododendron. Forsythia is one of the first plants to bloom in the spring. It’s hardy, deer proof and prefers full sun. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy its beautiful golden bell-shaped flowers.   P.J.M. Rhododendron is a broadleaf evergreen that prefers partly shady coverage, is deer proof and attracts birds and butterflies. It features lovely lavender-pink flowers.   Hummingbirds are on their way, so set out your feeders today. Be sure to hang them in a shady spot near a window for your viewing pleasure.   April showers need rain barrels! Attached to your gutter, rain barrels collect ambient temperature rainwater to give your plants a healthy drink.

 

 

 

 

Get the kids in the garden! Help them plant sunflower seeds or veggies. Growing their own food will encourage kids to eat their veggies.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Enjoy the beauty of flowering crabapples in all their splendor. Newer varieties have small fruit and vibrant colors. Add one to your landscape today to enjoy the spring blooming season.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annuals Frost Hardy 20 degrees F and lower Pansies, Alyssum, Dianthus, Viola, Snapdragon, Dusty Miller.

Frost Hardy at 20 degrees F Calibrochoa Lysimachia, Petunia, Nicotiana, Nemesia, Diascia, Calendula, Salvia, There are sprays (we have some called Wilt Pruf or Freeze Pruf in our store that helps hold the moisture that the plants lose when it is very cold and increase their cold tolerance)   We JUST started getting in some trees and a few shrubs so these won't be available until mid-April or at least we won't have the majority of these until then. Perennials won't come until the end of April, beginning of May.  

Early Blooming Perennials Ajuga, Iris, Lamium, Phlox, Geranium (long bloomer) Veronica, Lungwort, Columbine, Lupine, Delphinium, Blanket Flowers (long bloomer) Peony, Oriental Poppy.  

Early Booming Shrubs Forsythia, Azalea, Rhododendron, Lilac, Viburnum, Fothergilla, Ninebark, Deutzia, Weigela. 

Early Blooming Trees Crabapple (many varieties) Eastern, Redbud, Ivory Silk Lilac, Cleveland Select Pear, Autumn Blaze, Pear, Witchhazel, Magnolia (few varieties) Apple Trees, Autumn Brilliance, Serviceberry.