As the days lengthen and temperatures rise, it’s hard to resist getting out into the garden. Here are some simple things you can do now to promote a healthy garden year-round:
• Once the lawn is no longer waterlogged, rake to remove dead grass, leaves and winter debris. You may also want to aerate to encourage stronger growth. If you find dead or bare patches, clear off the debris, loosen the surface with a rake, re-seed and keep well-watered until it germinates.
• Once temperatures are reliably warm, remove winter mulch from perennials and shrubs, and cut back any dead foliage.
• Now’s the time to transplant any shrubs or perennials you’ve been planning to move. They always transplant better before they begin to leaf out.
• Pull weeds now while their roots are still shallow.
• Spring’s a good time to prune roses and some fruit trees and vines, as long as their leaves haven’t formed yet.
• Don’t dig in the soil while it’s still soggy or you may damage your soil’s structure. When it’s loose enough to fall apart in your hand, you can start working in compost or manure.
• Since grass grows vigorously in early spring, edge your garden to create a narrow trench between lawn and soil.
