BC Gardening Calendar of tips. Spring is here!

David Valente | March 21st, 2006 | Home Tips,

Here is a list that will help you plan ahead to get your garden in top notch shape this year.

March

(C/ I) Plant summer-flowering bulbs (March or April)
(C/ I) Shop for flowering trees while they are in bloom
(C/ I) Spring clean the garden
(C/ I) Water and fertilize all plant material, including lawns and bulbs
(C/ I) Weather permitting, plant hardy vegetables and bulbs
(C/ I) Good time to do most planting of nursery stock
(C/ I) Start uncovering tender perennials, roses, and the more delicate plant material
(C) Finish pruning roses and planting bareroot roses

April

(C/ I) Plant early hardy vegetables until mid-month
(C/ I) Prune early-blooming shrubs after they flower
(C/ I) Aerate the lawn with a core aerator; top dress and fertilize lawns; overseed bare patches
(C/ I) Control for dandelions before they flower
(C/ I) Divide late-blooming perennials
(C/ I) Fertilize cedar hedges with 30-10-10
(C/ I) Check lawns for leather-jacket control, if necessary
(C/ I) Weather permitting, plant all summer-flowering bulbs

May

(C/ I) Buy bedding plants, harden, and plant out after the mid-month; plant out dahlia tubers
(C/ I) Weather permitting, set out all bedding plants (occasional night protection may be required)
(C/ I) Plant patio containers
(C/ I) Plant new lawns
(C/ I) Prune back spring-flowering perennials
(C/ I) Deadhead tulips and daffodils (flowers only) so bulb can produce energy for next year
(C) Thin out annuals
(C) Remove seed heads from rhododendrons and azaleas
(C/ I) Fertilize lawn with organic or slow-release fertilizer

June

(C/ I) Continue watering bulbs until yellowed leaves can be gently pulled off
(C/ I) Keep newly planted hedges, trees and shrubs well watered
(C/ I) Plant out tomatoes, zucchini and cucumber
(C/ I) Start roses on a monthly fungicide/insecticide spray schedule, if necessary
(C/ I) Deadhead roses, annuals and perennials to promote more blooms
(C/ I) Mulch garden areas to help preserve moisture and keep weeds down
(C/ I) Continue plantings such as annuals; water well
(C/ I) Feed all annuals once or twice a month
(C/ I) Continue feeding container plants
(C/ I) Water lawns and gardens wisely, preferably in the morning
(I) Spray for cherry fruit fly

July

(C/ I) Deadhead roses, annuals and perennials to promote more blooms; water well
(C/ I) Harvest raspberries and strawberries; remove unwanted strawberry runners; remove plants that have cropped for three summers
(C/ I) Cut herbs for freezing and drying
(C/ I) Continue to feed gardens and container plants
(C/ I) Water hanging baskets and patio plants at least once a day
(C/ I) Lift daffodils and tulips for curing; use bulb dust for disease control
(C/ I) Deadhead roses, annuals and perennials to promote more blooms
(C/ I) Thin grapes

August

September

(C/ I) Begin planting spring-flowering bulbs
(C/ I) Irrigate when needed, but slowly reduce watering so plants get ready for winter
(C/ I) Plant spring-flowering bulbs; use bulb dust for disease control
(C/ I) Plant new lawns
(C/ I) Fertilize all plants (except roses) and lawns with organic or slow-release fertilizer
(C/ I) Allow lettuce to go to seed and feed the birds this winter
(C/ I) Apply copper spray to selected fruit trees (C) Check soil and add lime if required

October

(C/ I) Clear beds of annuals by the end of the month and compost
(C/ I) Put sticky bands of tanglefoot around trees to deter winter moths
(C/ I) Cultivate in interior regions; enrich in areas you plan to sow in spring
(C/ I) Plant shrubs, perennials and spring-flowering bulbs
(C/ I) Dig up tender bulbs for storage; apply bulb dust for disease control
(C/ I) Dig up carrots, beets and turnips and harvest cabbage for storing
(C/ I) Don’t forget to water plants close to the house or under rooflines
(C/ I) Bring all tropical patio plants indoors; check them for pests before bringing inside

November

(C/ I) Make sure plants like dianthus and saxifrage don’t get covered in leaves, as they will rot
(C/ I) Lift, divide and replant spring- and summer-blooming perennials (weather permitting)
(C/ I) Use any clean dead growth from garden beds and containers for the compost
(C/ I) Protect trees and shrubs from mice, rabbits and deer; do not use plastic to wrap plants
(C/ I) After the first few hard frosts, mound the bases of roses and less hardy plants with peat moss or other mulch such as compost
(C/ I) Water all plants for winter; ensure adequate drainage so roots do not stand in water all winter
(C) Give roses a final deadheading and a light pruning; apply dolomite lime around established roses

December

(C/ I) Plan to rotate the crops in the vegetable garden next year
(C/ I) Ventilate cold frames in mild weather
(C/ I) Clean, sharpen and sterilize all tools
(C/ I) Shovel clean snow around plants for extra moisture and insulation
(C/ I) Keep bird feeders filled
(C) Lightly prune hollies and evergreens; use the clippings for wreaths and seasonal decorations
(C/ I) Buy your favourite friend a gardening gift

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