Helpful Hints
Our Master Gardener has prepared seasonal Helpful Hints for a variety of gardens and plant material. While the information may be applicable in many different areas, it is tailored to our experiences in Central Minnesota. We will update the web page regularly, so check back, if your question is not answered from our Helpful Hints, either check our blog or feel free to call the greenhouse.
Late Winter/Early Spring Gardening Hints (March/April)
«Finish pruning your trees & shrubs ASAP to prevent diseases such as Oak Wilt and to minimize sap runoff. Remove broken and damaged branches and suckers. Spring-flowering shrubs such as lilac, azalea and rhododendron should be pruned after they bloom and before they set next year’s buds in summer.
Remove all tree protectors(late March-early April), fertilize with 10/10/10 before growth begins.
«Prune Hardy Shrub Roses, Clematis and other vines (late April) when buds begin to swell. Remove dead and damaged branches. Prune to shape & to allow for good air circulation for disease prevention.
«Tender roses that were tipped and covered last fall can be unearthed and replanted mid April.
«As soon as the ground is thawed, you can begin to plant new trees. Follow recommended planting directions and add a 2-3” layer of shredded mulch around the base to help maintain moisture, prevent weeds and prevent mower damage.
«Remove mulch and any remaining dead foliage from your perennial gardens. Keep some nearby for those Spring frosts that can damage newly emerging perennials and spring blooming bulbs.
«Lawn clean-up can begin as soon as it’s dry and firm enough to walk on. A light raking to remove debris also encourages established grass to green-up and loosens the soil in areas that need to be reseeded. Wait until mid to late May to fertilize.
«Flower and vegetable seed can be started indoors 6-8 weeks before planting outdoors. Use a sterile seed starting mix. A heating mat or Grow Light can speed germination.
«As days get longer, houseplants begin a more active growth period. Fertilize on a regular basis and keep a watchful eye for diseases and insect pests.
«Make an appointment with our landscape designer who will create with you a beautiful design for your yard. It’s an individualized plan that takes into account your specific location, soil conditions & plants you would like to have. Stop in or call us for a free landscape starter kit @ 320-363-7375.
«Visit our booth at the CMBA Home Show, St. Cloud Civic Center, March 5th-7th
«Don’t forget THOMSENS GIFT CARDS for your gardening friends. They make great Birthday, Anniversary and Easter Basket Gifts! You can order them on line at our website: www.tgreenhouses.com and we will mail them out immediately.
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