Spring Tasks: Prune Forsythia

As the forsythia finishes its bloom in mid-to-late April, it is a good time for major renovation pruning. If it is completely overgrown, it is OK to cut it completely to the ground.  It will quickly re-sprout, in time to set buds later in the summer for next springs flowers.

If less drastic measures are needed, cut 1/3 to 1/2 of the branches to the ground, to encourage regeneration. Also, lightly cut back remaining branches for form.

Avoid shearing forsythia and encourage an open natural form.

Photo: Judy Miller

Photo: Judy Miller

Photo: Judy Miller

Spring Tasks: Lawn Seeding

The last week in March is a good time to over seed bare patches in the lawn.

Tips for getting started:

• Using a garden cultivator or iron rake, scratch the soil surface to provide a seed bed. 
• Sprinkle the seed over the prepared area and gently tamp in the seed using the flat end of the rake.
• For fine lawns use a mix of Kentucky blue grass varieties, for high traffic sunny areas, use the fine leaf forms of tall fescue.
• We prefer not to fertilize lawns in the spring because it induces excessive growth and it can lead to disease problems later in the spring.  If you must fertilize, do so lightly and with a slow release organic form.
• The first mowing of the spring should be short to clean up debris.
• Thereafter, mow high, at lease 2-2 ½ inches to encourage deep roots and a drought resistant lawn.

Spring Tasks: Dividing Perennials

Late March is a good time to divide perennials like Chrysanthemums, daisies, black-eyed susans and Daylilies.

Why divide plants? 
Dividing perennials serves to rejuvenate the mother plant and provides more for your garden and for friends.

How to Divide
    •    
It's important to dig carefully with a digging fork.
    •    Lift and gently shake
   
    •    Using the fork, insert through the center of the clump.
    •    Take a second fork and insert it back to back with the first and pry the clump apart.  For larger clumps repeat.


Replanting
    •    Replant what you need and give a friend the rest!
    •    When replanting, work the soil first and plant at the same level that it was before lifting.

Some perennials like daisies and lambs ear require division every 2-3 years or they loose vigor and decline.