SPRING
“Fertilize your flower beds with an all-purpose fertilizer after the danger of frost has passed, which is usually around April 15,” says Chris Olsen of Botanica Gardens in Little Rock.
Jennifer Gibson of the Good Earth Garden Center in Little Rock says March is the time to prepare the soil in your landscape beds with soil amendments such as lime and organic material.
Plant your summer annuals and perennials. “I always try to purchase mine in early April if the weather is warm to get first pick,” says Olsen. This is also a great time to plant tropicals, such as palms, hibiscus and ferns.
Gibson says to prune forsythia, azaleas and other spring blooming plants when they finish blooming.
“After your spring bloomers have bloomed, spray them with Triple Action Plus to prevent fungus, insects and mites,” says Olsen. Repeat as necessary about every four to six weeks throughout the growing season.
“Treat your lawn with a fertilizer during the growing season. The timing for this application starts in April and should be repeated every six to eight weeks,” says Chris Harris of the Green Grass Club of Arkansas in Little Rock. “During this time we spot spray weeds that the pre-emergent process missed. The thicker the lawn, the more difficult it is for weeds to become established. Not to mention, this treatment is what makes the lawn green up!”
“This is the perfect time to sow summer annuals by seed,” Olsen says.
“By May, the soil temperature is warm enough to plant those summer bulbs,” says Gibson.
“Water with Bayer Advanced Tree & Shrub, a 12-month insect preventer,” says Gibson.
Gibson also notes that now is the time to check your sprinkler system and make necessary adjustments.
SUMMER
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