History of Herold's Farm

Tips for April

TREES & SHRUBS

Now, as you begin to see new growth in spring, is the time that trees and shrubs may need to be fertilized. Shrubs demand little fertilizer compared to the amount required by lawns or vegetables. Light applications of fertilizer at regular intervals greatly increase growth and stimulate flower production. Fertilizing Trees: In most soils mature trees need little or no fertilization as long as they have good leaf color and grow reasonably well.. Keep the fertilizer at least 6 inches from the trunk to avoid injuring the tree. After application, sprinkle the area with water to wash the fertilizer into the soil.

ROSES:

Plant bare-root shrubs as soon as soil can be worked. After planting, mix MASTER NURSEY MASTER START (1/4 cup per plant) into top 2 inches of soil with a garden tool. Water thoroughly. For established plants: In the spring when plants have about one inch of new growth apply BAYER2-1 SYSTEMIC ROSE & FLOWER CARE 1/3 cup or SCOTTS ROSE Fertilizer per plant. Spread evenly around the base of each bush. Work into top 1 - 2 inches of soil and water thoroughly. Re-apply every 6 weeks during the growing season to feed rose bushes (and many other ornamental plants) in one easy step. Stake tree roses. Complete removal of winter protection as weather warms. Disease Control: Establish a regular spray schedule for disease control during the growing season. Use either RosePride Funginex® Rose & Shrub Disease Control or Multi-Purpose Fungicide (Daconil 2787® Plant Disease Control. You may never see any evidence of disease if you regularly take the time every two weeks or so to treat your roses

.FLOWERS:

Divide and transplant crowded summer- and fall-blooming perennials. Fertilize established perennials as they show new growth. Continue to direct-sow hardy annuals and pot summer bulbs.

HOW TO FERTILIZE BULBS:

Spread a fertilizer containing nitrogen and potassium on the ground around the plants and wash it into the soil with a thorough irrigation. The fertilizer label will tell you how much to use. For summer- and fall-blooming bulbs that need fertilizing, apply half the amount of fertilizer recommended on the label every month until the foliage begins to yellow. Do not remove the drying bulb foliage. Allow it to remain on the plant until yellow. Crowded clumps can then be divided and transplanted.

WEEDS:

Look for broadleaf weeds to begin making their unwelcome appearance in your lawn. Blooming dandelions are the easiest to spot. Others that are just as troublesome, such as clover, chickweed, plantain, and spotted spurge, will be making their appearance soon. They are more vulnerable while they are young so treat them early with Weed-B-Gon.

DISEASE CONTROL:

The cool moist weather of spring favors the development of several diseases. Leaf spot is a problem for bluegrass. Look for it in spring and again in the fall. A healthy lawn will usually make a strong comeback as the weather warms. Dollar spot can occur anytime from now until late summer especially when temperaturs go into the 80s and humidity is high. Multi-Purpose Fungicide (Daconil 2787®) Plant Disease Control is effective on a wide range of diseases, however, proper identification of specific lawn disease is essential for control

VEGETABLES & HERBS

Direct sow peas when soil is workable

Last Updated: May 21, 2006