Mulch , mulch , mulch . Adding mulch now not only subdue sess , but it keeps the ground moist and cool , foreclose any other riser pipe from produce too cursorily in case a late frost appears . Also , be sure to practice mulch to bare areas under trees where troublesome cool - season annual sess such as field pennycress can speedily germinate and get make .
fetch up up seeding!We are entering the last several calendar week to get those warm - growing annuals started , such as these :
Sharpen your hand tools . Get your putz ready for another busy season with a little TLC now . Sharpen your shears , pruner , and pruner by hard holding them and using a file or whetstone appropriate to the sword size in the same direction as the blade ’s bevel . It should only take a few pass to hone the sharpness and have it behaving like a spicy tongue through butter . If all else fails , many companies carry replenishment blades that can easily be swapped in .
supervise garden drain patterns . As Charles Percy Snow melting and spring pelting fall , take bill of where the water supply is running and/or ponding through your landscape so that any likely problem areas can be plow . solution to troublesome surface area may include amending the soil , actuate plants that enjoy extra wet to the squiffy areas , moving those that dislike special moisture from the wet country , or even large change to your overall topography or purpose scheme .
Clean up pee features . If you happen to have a water lineament in your garden , take advantage of a nicer afternoon by giving it a good spring cleansing . Empty out any standing pee , and take away any debris and sludge gathered at the bottom . If your water feature sport rocks or stones , cancel them down with a brush and pail of water system with a few drops of dishwashing machine detergent . For stubborn stains , habituate a ratio of 1:4 bleach or vinegar and water . When finished , thoroughly gargle everything down , and contain off on setting up the fountain until all threats of freezing have passed .
— Chris Schlenker is the foreland gardener of McCrory Gardens at South Dakota State University in Brookings , South Dakota .
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‘Salome’ daffodils,Photo: Jason Jorgensen
It’s time to seed those plants with real flower power, like this ‘Chocolate’ morning glory (Ipomoea imperialis‘Chocolate’, annual).Photo: Chris Schlenker
Spend a little quality time with your hand tools this month to get them back in shape after winter pruning.Photo: Chris Schlenker
While the snow is melting is a great time to observe where water flows around your garden.Photo: Chris Schlenker
Don’t start your water features too soon! The idea of your fountain turning into a frozen ice sculpture might sound appealing, but freezing can cause structural and mechanical damage.Photo: Chris Schlenker
