Seasonal Hints

April:

Uncover and remove winter mulch from roses, spring bulbs and perennials.
Divide and replant overgrown perennials.
Till or spade flower and vegetable garden soil and add compost such as grass clippings, or peat moss.
Plant frost tolerant Pansies or Johnny-jump-ups for early spring color.
Plant "bareroot" trees and shrubs as soon as the ground is thawed and dry enough for digging. (Check out what our garden center has available in "bareroot" this spring - and bring in our "internet" coupon for more savings!)
Apply fresh mulch around trees and shrubs for weed control.
Fertilize trees and shrubs.
Apply crabgrass preventer to lawns.
Wait until the ground is frost free to remove coverings on perennials and roses.
Prune hedges and summer flowering shrubs.

MAY:

Work fertilizer into vegetable and flower gardens before they are planted.
Fertilize roses and begin maintenance program against black spot and mildew.
Mulch flower gardens to conserve moisture and reduce week growth.
Install peony hoops.
Plant summer blooming bulbs.
Plant MN Grown© annuals and vegetables after frost is no longer a danger.
Remove accumulated leaves and debris from underneath evergreens and shrubs.
All spring flowering shrubs should be pruned right after flowering.
Make sure all newly planted trees and shrubs are watered weekly, especially during hot
periods. Continue to water through the season.

JUNE:

Stake larger and taller varieties of perennials such as delphiniums.
Tie climbing roses to trellises.
Do last picking of rhubarb at month's end to allow shallow roots to store more energy
for the next years crop.
Prune and shape new growth on arborvitae, junipers and yews.
Trim hedges and evergreens.
Prune pines, spruce and fir trees early to mid-month.
Perform the last pinching of chrysanthemums to promote more compact bushy plants.

The University of Minnesota Extension Website has valuable information for consumers:

Click www.extension.umn.edu

You can get instant access to many Extension publications by typing in key words as to what you are looking for.
Their "Garden and Horticulture" section has many interesting topics to choose from.
Call their "Yard and Garden Line" with your questions about garden and landscape plants, insects and wildlife and more.
Need your soil tested? Find out more info on this site or you can go to your local County Extension office.
The "Info U" Consumer Line answers questions about families, gardens, farms, food, pests, homes, yards and the environment.