And that of course is when the real fun begins!!! It will be "go time" for our favorite summer vegetables and herbs as well as all of those gorgeous frost sensitive annual flowers for our containers and hanging baskets. And although you may be tempted to wait until then to get your spring gardening game on, there are some things that just can't wait until then and some other things that are just better done now before the weather really starts to warm up. This week we'd like to take some time to let you know what you should and can be doing out in your landscapes and gardens right now. So, if you're anxious to get your hands a little dirty and have some fun outside, read on.

 

 

Now that we've had a fair share of warm and sunny days, you've probably noticed that your lawn is quickly greening up and starting to grow. Unfortunately, crabgrass and weed seeds that have spent the winter hiding out in your lawns will be starting to germinate and grow as well now that the weather is favorable. Now is the perfect time to prevent these unwanted plants from showing up in your lawns before you even see them.

We recommend that Jonathan Greene Crabgrass and Weed Preventer be applied right now to prevent these unwanted guests. This is a natural corn gluten-based product that prevents seeds from germinating successfully that also contains lawn food for a quick green up and vigorous root growth. Because this is a weed preventer, timing is critical. It has no effect on these unwanted plants once they are already there. So, if preventing crabgrass and weeds before they even start sounds like a great idea, you'll want to get this product down ASAP. And a really important thing to keep in mind here. If you're planning on reseeding or applying grass seed to any parts of your lawn you'll want to skip this product. It will prevent your grass seed from germinating as well. We'd recommend waiting until fall to reseed if preventing weeds and crabgrass is a priority right now.

 

On the subject of grass seed, now is the time to get that reseeding and lawn repair going. Soil temperatures are just right for quick germination and our reliable April showers will help to maintain consistent moisture. We carry Jonathan Greene Grass Seed in a variety of sizes depending on the scale of your project and varieties for sunny and shady exposures. If you're unsure what type or how much grass seed you need, stop by The Gardener's Center. One of our crew members would be happy to help you make the right choice.

 

 

There's no need to wait until our frost-free growing season begins next month to get hardy shrubs and perennials in the garden and landscape. In fact, now is the best time to install these types of plants. These tough plants can handle the colder temperatures and frosty nights that April often throws at us, so no need to worry about the weather. And these plants greatly benefit from being planted in the early spring. The warm soil temperatures will get these plants root systems off to a vigorous start before they start expending energy on leaves, stems and flowers. And the reliable rain we receive in April will keep everyone happy while they're getting established, meaning you spend less time watering. If you've struggled to be successful with planting Mophead Hydrangeas (the big beautiful blue/purple ones) in the past we especially recommend early spring planting for these summer blooming favorites!

 

And while we're talking about planting, please don't forget to use Espoma Bio Tone Starter Fertilizer whenever planting hardy plants in the ground. We love Bio Tone because it's more than just a starter fertilizer. As its name implies, it is also packed with beneficial living soil microbiology that is critical to a plant's health and success. Active and prolific soil biology equals happy and vigorous plants. We're crazy about Bio Tone here at Gardener's, so if you'd like to learn more about "supercharging" your soil ask one of our crew members to tell you more.

 

 

Now that the weather is moderating and nighttime temperatures are being kinder to us it's time to have some fun and get a little color back into our landscape and gardens. You don't have to wait until frost free weather arrives to get out and pretty up those pots and containers, you just have to use the right plants. And now we are at peak early spring color selection out in our nursery. You'll find cold weather tolerant pansies and violas in a rainbow of colors, as well as potted bulbs like tulips and daffodils, Ranunculus, some hardy blooming shrubs like Heather and Pieris, and of course one of our all-time favorites, Hellebores!!!

 

All of these plants will be able to handle our somewhat unpredictable April weather while blooming to their heart's content. But keep in mind that these plants' tolerance of colder weather does come with a couple of catches. In some cases like the potted bulbs, hardy blooming shrubs and Hellebores, we're talking about plants that only bloom in the early spring so their color will be somewhat fleeting. And with the pansies, violas, and Ranunculus? Well, these guys are happiest at temperatures between 40 and 75 degrees. Once things start to heat up, they're done. They're usually effective until Memorial Day weekend in our area, and then it's time to swap them out for some heat loving summer annuals.

 

The early spring container season is short, usually 4 to 6 weeks, relative to summer container season which can last 4 to 5 months. So, we'd like to offer a pro tip on how to get the best bang for your buck with these short season containers. Many of these plants are hardy shrubs, bulbs and perennials that return year after year. Use these plants heavily in your containers and sprinkle in some pansies or violas for splashes of color. When it's time to switch these containers over to summer plants later in May, all of the shrubs, bulbs and perennials can be planted in the landscape to enjoy for years to come while the pansies and violas go to the compost pile or landfill. Hardy plants that can be repurposed after their time in your containers and pots is over are definitely your friends when it comes to early spring containers!!!

 

And don't be shy about asking for help with planting your containers here at The Gardener's Center. One of our crew members would be happy to help you select the right plants for you. And if you'd rather not get your hands dirty and prefer to leave the work to someone else, be sure to check out our custom container design service!!!