• Prepare new flower beds now for this spring. Summer annuals and bulbs perform much better and for longer periods if they are planted in well prepared beds. Till, incorporate organic matter, lime and fertilize.
• Spring is the next best time after the fall season to plant shrubs, trees, and other ornamental plants. Remember to select good quality plants that are recommended for your area.
• After the spring flowering bulbs show off, gardeners need to make an application of 8 8 8. After the petals fade and fall off, remove flower organs with scissors or hand pruners, and allow the foliage to die a natural death. If you plant bulbs for only one season, then you can remove the entire plant once the petals fade.
• Gardeners need to define the edges of the plant borders. Adding mulch is also a good idea. To re-edge take a flat blade shovel and trench out about 3 inches deep and 6 inches wide all around the beds. Re mulch, letting the trench be the border. This fresh, crisp line will accentuate the grass and the bed.
• Seed is the least expensive component of gardening, so it makes good sense to buy the best quality seed you can obtain. A quick reference guide (Extension publication AG 12) lists a number of vegetable crops to plant now.
• Lawn Care: Still too early to fertilize. Applications of fertilizer would be better in May except for Centipedegrass which requires a one-time fertilization in June only. Continue to mow, rake, reduce thatch buildup, and water as needed.
• Prune berry producing plants such as holly, nandina and pyracantha. Prune spring flowering plants such as azaleas after they bloom. Thin cool season vegetables and protect sensitive warm season vegetables from frost or cold. Renew mulch around plantings if you haven't done so already. Coastal area houseplants can be brought outdoors later this month.
• A good general fertilizer recommendation is to apply 2 to 4 pounds of ammoniated 8/8/8 or 10/10/10 to landscape plants around April 15th. Still too early to apply fertilizer to warm season grasses.
• Stonecrops or sedums are popular additions to many gardens. They are one of the first perennials to show signs of life in the spring and they give a spectacular show in the fall. It is often cited as one of the top ten carefree perennials for the garden. Be sure to locate it in full sun areas with fertile soil. It will perform without any other attention. As it spreads, it is easily propagated for additional plantings.
• Towards the latter part of the month is the time to plant many of your warm seasoned vegetable crops like tomatoes and peppers. Plan to plant now to have a variety of fresh vegetables from your garden this summer.
