Spring is right around the corner in Memphis and it is time to get some gardening chores done. The sunny days are starting to outnumber the rainy ones, so let’s get outside and get our hands dirty.
Weed Control
If you did not apply a pre-emergent this winter, apply one now to stop late spring annual weeds and grasses. Hi-Yield Weed and Grass Stopper with Dimension will suppress weed seed germination for up to 90 days and help you get on track for a weed-free yard. This product also kills young crabgrass if your application is a little late. It also prevents annual weeds and grasses from coming up in flower and shrub beds. Do not apply to beds where zinnia seeds or other flower seeds will be planted.
Broadleaf weeds are popping up in lawns now. Fertilome Weed Free Zone will control most of these weeds. You can also spray with Image now to control Poa annua (annual bluegrass). As always, bring us samples and we will identify what weeds you have and show you how to get rid of them.
Feeding Evergreen Shrubs
Now is a perfect time to feed evergreen shrubs that may have been burned by the cold we experienced in November. These shrubs can greatly benefit from a feeding of Espoma Holly Tone or Milorganite as soon as possible. Feed azaleas with Holly Tone to give them the energy they need to put on a bloom show this spring.
Fescue Lawns
Feed fescue lawns now with Fertilome Classic Lawn Food or Lawn Food with Iron. If you need your soil tested, bring us a sample, about enough to fill a red Solo cup, and we will test the pH for you. Fertilizers work best when the pH is 6.2 to 6.8. If you need to lime, we will show you how much to get back in the good range.
Soil Health
Dan West Garden Center recommends applying Natural Guard Soil Activator. This organic product improves any soil and benefits almost any plant by acting as a food source for your soil’s microorganisms. This product could be your garden’s best friend.
Spring Planting
Now is a great time to begin planting roses, azaleas, boxwood, hydrangeas, hollies, and many other ornamentals. Spring bulbs and perennials can also go in now, including lilies, gladiolus, dahlias, callas, cannas, ferns, and Helleborus. However, do not plant caladium and elephant ear bulbs in the ground until nighttime temperatures are consistently in the 60s.
Bed Maintenance
It is time to clean all that winter debris out of your beds. Remove the old mulch, put down a light layer of Back to Nature Cotton Burr Compost or Blend, then add a light layer of fresh mulch. Feed all of your plants with a non-burning organic fertilizer like Milorganite, or plant-specific products from Espoma or Fertilome.
Crape Myrtle Treatment
It is time to retreat your Crape Myrtles with Fertilome Systemic Tree and Shrub Drench for scale insects. Because of your diligence, we have been able to get ahead of this damaging insect, and treating every spring will keep the populations in check. Spray now with Fertilome Horticultural Oil Spray or Bonide All Seasons Oil Spray to control overwintering insects and insect eggs on other trees and shrubs.
Cool Weather Vegetables
Cool weather vegetables can be planted now, including broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, lettuce, spinach, Swiss chard, seed potatoes, garlic, Sugar Snap peas, Wando English peas, collards, beets, and carrots.
We have a great selection of herb, vegetable, and flower seeds, plus seed-starting supplies. And as always, feel free to call us if you have a question.
Times a wastin’ Memphis. Happy Gardening!