April 2022 Tips

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Dear Gardening Friends, As I write this it’s March 29 and I’m looking out my window at snow covered gardens. Hopefully by the time you read this we will be back to spring like weather. Keep in mind that this slow to arrive spring is not a bad thing. If it had gotten warm for longer periods in March trees and shrubs would have budded out more. With the super freezing weather the last 2 days those buds would have been zapped. This is a common problem in our area. Bottom line, the cold erratic weather in March wasn’t a bad thing for nature.   A few thoughts on what you can be doing now:   Don’t worry about spring bulbs that had started peeking out. They have a natural “antifreeze” that protects them from freezing. There’s still plenty of time to prune non spring flowering trees and shrubs. Check online on how to prune specific plants. The most important universal tip is not to leave stubs. Cut back to a leaf or branch join. On trees make your cuts just outside the branch collar (bumpy looking bark where the branch joins the trunk or stem). If you’ve left plants up from last fall don’t be in a hurry to cut them back. Many beneficial insects overwinter or lay their eggs in the stems and litter around the crown. The soil is still way too wet and cold to do any planting or dividing. Once the soil is workable (doesn’t stay in a clump if you make it into a ball) and temps warmer, perennials from your garden can be divided and transplanted. They are used to the temp of the soil so won’t suffer shock. Perennials purchased from a greenhouse should wait until the temps and soil are warmer since they are not used to the outside temps. Even if April gets warm be cautious about putting out annuals. May is a month that usually has some frost.  If you’re like me and haven’t cleaned and sharpened your tools, now is a good time. It makes a huge difference on how well the tools operate. Clean out containers. Brush off old dirt (I use an old toilet brush) and scrub off the white residue that may be on the outside. Steel wool or a wire brush works for this. Then dip the pot in a 10% Clorox solution. If the container is too large to dip the solution can be sprayed on. This is a perfect time for “wishful thinking”. What changes do you want to make, plants to add? First consider the site, light, type of soil etc. THEN research plants suited to that site. As you observe your garden coming back to life take some notes as to what needs to be done: moving, dividing, removing, and planning additions and improvements. If you need help with your planning, contact me for an onsite consultation. Make a list of needs BEFORE going plant shopping in May so you can avoid impulse purchases that may or may not work in your garden. Keep in mind if you’re adding any plants, shrubs, or trees check out natives that would be appropriate. Might as well help nature while having a beautiful garden. If you have a problem with deer start your spraying as the plants they like come up. I’ve already had some munch on perennials sticking their heads out only to be chopped off. Best advice BE PATIENT!! Rushing things is counterproductive.   Upcoming Garden Events:   The annual Lessons from Nature Perennial and Native Plant Sale will be Saturday, May 21 from 9-2. Clients and those receiving these tips can come at 8 and avoid the crowds.   Once again Ellen Foltz from Amanda’s Garden will be here with her excellent selection of natives.   Save the date. More details about the sale will be in the May Garden Tips.   Don’t forget to contact me for a garden consult. I can help improve your garden and gardening practices while saving you time and money. Happy Gardening! Lyn Chimera Lessons from Nature 170 Pine St. E. Aurora, NY 14052 lyn@lessonsfromnature.biz 652-2432 Copyright © 2014 Lessons From Nature, All rights reserved. *|IFNOT:ARCHIVE_PAGE|* *|LIST:DESCRIPTION|* Our mailing address is: *|HTML:LIST_ADDRESS_HTML|* *|END:IF|* unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences  *|IF:REWARDS|* *|HTML:REWARDS|* *|END:IF|*