Early Spring Landscape Calendar

Cassie Homan, Horticulture Agent

Spring is just around the corner. With seed catalogs arriving and gardening supplies popping up in many retail stores, now is a great time to make a list of what needs to be done. Creating a garden calendar is an easy way to remind you what needs to be accomplished to prep the garden. It also gives you a good reference to look back at for next year, to remember when you planted those perfect potatoes, so you can do it again. Here are some important things to do in early spring.

Vegetables and Fruits

·      Draw garden layouts to assist with the planning process.

·      Review garden notes about successes and failure in the garden.

·      Order seeds for spring planting.

·      Select varieties and order new fruit trees.

·      Take a soil test if one has not been done the last five years.

·      Start broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage transplants.

·      Incorporate manure or compost into garden areas for soil improvement.

Prune:

·      Fruit trees like apples, pears and cherries.

·      Peach and nectarines just prior to bloom time.

·      Grapes, raspberries, and blackberries.

 

Flowers

·      Start seeds for transplanting in the spring.

·      Watch for frost heaving of tender perennials and cover if needed.

·      Replenish winter mulch around roses and other plants.

·      Prepare catalog orders.

Lawns

·      Review lawn service contracts and make changes.

·      Tune up and repair the mower to get a jump on the season.

·      Avoid injury to the lawn when the soil is frozen by keeping foot traffic to a minimum.

Trees and Shrubs

·      Check for rabbit damage on young trees and shrubs.

·      Apply dormant oil for control of scale and mites.

Prune:

·      Begin spring pruning. However, do not prune spring flowering trees and shrubs until after bloom.

·      Cut twigs and branches of spring shrubs and bring them indoors to add a splash of spring color.

·      On warm days, prepare garden soil for early planting.

Houseplants

·      Check plants for insects, mites or other problems and treat as needed.

·      Withhold fertilization until spring arrives.

·      Remove dust build up on plants by placing in the shower and washing off.

·      Water as needed, avoid letting roots set in water.

·      Keep plants out of hot or cold drafts.

If you would like more details about caring for your landscape contact Cassie Homan, Post Rock District Horticulture Agent, at (785) 738-3597 or by email at choman@ksu.edu