Gardening Tips

Do You know what you should be doing in garden or landscape right now? Check out our handy Gardening Calendar, for helpful monthly tips and suggestions.

To assure the ultimate performance of your bulb displays, please follow these Bulb Care Instructions.

If you've got roses, you'll want to know about Spring Pruning of Knockout Roses

Here are some General Plant Care Instructions for your Landscape Geek Landscape.

Landscaping Pays Off

Landscaping pays off in two. First, trees and landscaping add value to a home, giving it a higher worth and resale value. A study a few years ago found that the average added value for homes with trees was 5 percent to 10 percent, but some homes were worth 20 percent more because of the trees. A home's overall look is greatly affected by the lot and the landscaping, so putting money into improving this appearance is like putting money in the bank.

Second, you can cut your home's energy use by planting trees, shrubs, ground covers and other landscaping. Computer models have found that as few as three well-placed trees around a home can save up to $250.00 each year in energy costs. A well-designed landscape can typically save enough energy that the investment is returned in eight years or less.

The U.S. Department of Energy has noted that an 8-foot tall deciduous tree (one that sheds its leaves) costs about as much as an awning for one large window. But the tree will save hundreds of dollars in reduced cooling costs while still letting winter sun into the home to further save on heating and lighting costs.

Something I've always noticed is how cool the air is around tress and well-landscaped areas. Becasue of the shade provided by trees and the evapotranspiration that goes on (this is the process by which plants move and release water vapor), air temperatures around trees can be as much as 9 degrees cooler than air in more exposed areas.

Further, cool air will settle near the ground. so the air temperature under a tree might be as much as 25 degrees cooler that the air above your home's driveway. Researchers at the Lawrence Berkley National Laboratory found that entire tree-shaded neighborhoods were 3 to 6 degrees cooler than were treeless areas.

Gardening Calendar

January: On a warm day, check the soil moisture around boxwood and holly, these plants tend to dry out through the winter and can sometimes use a supplemental watering. Plan for spring and summer, start saving pictures and catalogs for inspiration and ideas. Snow can be used as 'white mulch' on perennials and areas where bulbs were planted last fall, as long as it is free from salt. Use branches from your cut Christmas tree as a winter mulch around the base of roses and other less hardy perennials.

February: Cut back ornamental grasses. Do dormant pruning of woody shrubs and trees. Check perennials that were planted in late summer or fall. If they are raised out of soil, push back in to the ground. Prune suckers from the base of ornamental trees, roses and shrubs. Tune-up lawn mower and have the blades sharpened before the rush. Force branches of spring flowering shrubs indoors.

March: Clean up any landscape debris that may have accumulated over the winter. Cut back Liriope before new growth appears. Apply a pre-emergent herbicide to all planting areas, late in the month. Prune shrub roses, removing a third of the oldest canes. Cut back most plants to approximately 15-18" from the ground. Apply a dormant oil spray to woody shrubs and trees to kill any overwintering insect eggs or larvae. Fertilize woody shrubs and trees after the soil temperature has reached 40 F. Prepare lawn areas for spring seeding.

April: Apply a slow release fertilizer, such as Osmocote, to perennial planting areas. Cut back any perennials that may have been missed last fall. Apply a soil acidifier (Holly-tone or Soil Sulphur) around the base of acid loving holly and boxwood. If additional mulch needs to be applied to planting areas, be sure not to exceed a 2-2 1/2" layer. Sawfly larvae will be active on needled evergreens towards the middle or end of the month. Complete any lawn seeding projects by april 15th. (Remember to use a selective pre-emergent herbicide in these areas) Watch for aphids on tender shoots of perennials and new growth of some woody shrubs and trees. Divide perennials, this can be done effectively through the end of May.

May: Install new perennials. bagworm larvae will be emerging from any remaining sac-like structures hanging on evergreens such as arborvitae, spruce and juniper. This is the only time of year that sprays can be effective, the remainder of the year, the bags need to be removed and destroyed. Plant annuals after the last chance of frost has passed, which is usually around May 15th. Cut back any mums that have returned from last year by half.

June: Spray any weeds that may have popped up with a non-selective herbicide. Allow bulb foliage to completely yellow and then cut the foliage back to the ground. Prune any spring-flowering shrubs and trees as needed. Spend time in your garden with your family, pets or relaxing by yourself.

July: Deadhead spent perennial blossoms to encourage re-blooming. Cut back fall blooming perennials by 1/3 to prevent the need for staking and to delay bloom. Watering: Water deeply and well, rather than shallow and often.

August: Order fall bulbs Look for areas to add color with late-blooming perennials, mums, or pansies. Monitor evergreens and other landscape plants for spider mite and aphid activity. Hand prune and destroy bagworms, fall webworms, and tent caterpillars.

September: Monitor soil moisture levels through December. Divide hosta and daylilies Plant fall color in high visibility areas, pansies are a great choice for late season color. Complete fall lawn seeding projects by September 15th.

October: Cut back perennials after hard frost. Plant bulbs Start planning for next year's vegetable garden.

November: Top dress perennial beds with leaf compost. Water evergreens late in the month to prepare them for winter, if the fall has been dry. Remove leaves and other landscape debris from planting areas. Drain and store hoses for the winter.

December: Prune evergreens and holly, use the cuttings for holiday decorating. Make sure soil moisture levels are sufficient to get plantings through the winter. Turn off outside water faucets to prevent freezing through the winter.