Spring Cleaning

“Spring Cleaning” doesn't just apply to items to be done “inside” of the home– this time of year there are many helpful tips for early Spring gardening (February and March) that can set you up to have the best lawn on the block when warmer weather arrives! Here are some of the top gardening tips to be done now during the cooler spring months.

For Your Flowers
Know your potential last frost date. For Raleigh NC, we are in zone 7B and our typical last frost date is April 10th. You can check a Farmers Almanac like this one First and Last Frost Dates by ZIP Code | The Old Farmer's Almanac. Knowing your last frost date will help you know when it is safe to directly germinate seeds outside and/or transfer non cold-hardy plants to the yard.

• Divide large clumps of ornamental grasses and perennials (like Hosta, Daylilies and Pampas grass) and cut them back to about 6 inches tall.
  
• Plant bare root roses in February in well draining soil.
  
• For any cold weather bulbs already breaking ground. Apply a teaspoon of 10-10-10 time release fertilizer per square foot to spring bulbs when they are a couple inches tall.
  
• It's time to start seeds for flowers indoors or in a greenhouse or cold frame! Plants that you start from seed are a more affordable way to have blooms in your yard than purchasing potted plants from your home improvement store.
  

For Your Fruits and Veggies

• Loosen and amend the soil in your veggie garden. Apply several inches of healthy compost to the top of your raised beds and in ground planting beds.
  
• Plant cold hardy veggies like broccoli, cabbage, carrots, greens and snap peas outside in the garden even while there is still a threat of frost–they will survive!.
  
• Start tomatoes, peppers and other veggies inside until the risk of a last frost has passed. Be sure to acclimate young seedlings to outside temps gradually before transferring them to their new place in the garden.
  

For Your Lawn

• Fertilize fescue lawns in February
  
• You may treat Bermuda grass with fertilizer and weed killer immediately after a deep freeze when grass is completely dormant. 
  

For Your Trees and Shrubs

• Prune winter blooming camellia to avoid blight. The old blooms invite disease to the plant. 
  
• Crepe Myrtles should be pruned in February to encourage new growth and more bloom volume.
  

For Your Sanity

• Now is the time to consult with a professional landscaping company for large pruning jobs, hardscapes such as brick patios and retaining walls and monthly yard maintenance contracts. Preparing now will maximize your enjoyment of your home's beautiful outdoor spaces when warmer temperatures arrive.I highly recommend Robbie Hight Landscaping and Tree Service. Robbie can be reached directly at (919) 698-8324 or check him out here on Face Book Hight Landscape and Tree Service | Facebook