THINGS TO DO    March - April   2010

1.         Time to fertilize all trees, shrubs, perennials, roses, and lawns.  Use granular or liquid fertilizers or manures.  We have lots of different types including organic & worm castings.

2.         What are you waiting for?  It’s time to plant everything from trees to flowers!

3.         Missed the bare root season?  We have fruit trees in containers from last year including figs and pomegranates.  This year’s fruit trees will be ready in May sometime.  Reserve yours now.

4.         Still have some frost cloth from the winter?  Get a jump on spring by covering your tender young plants and vegetables.  Frost cloth adds about 5-8 degrees to the air temperature and protects plants from sneaky late frosts.  

5.         Start seeds inside to get a jump on spring too.  We have the seeds, pots, flats, soil and everything you need.  Since the economic downturn, our seed sales have gone up about 250%!  People are realizing that growing from seed is very economical.

6.         Spray weeds now!  With all the rain, the weeds will be going crazy.  Gallon Remuda is $69.99.

7.         After you get the weeds under control, put a layer of mulch down to prevent weeds from sprouting.  Mulching also add nutrients to the soil as they slowly break down.  Pre-emergent’s help prevent weeds from coming up in the first place.

8.         Cut back old growth on your perennials.  You may see the new growth already coming up.  Now is a good time to divide them too.

9.         Plants damaged from frost?  Don’t give up on them yet.  Give them a chance to leaf out.  Cut back damaged branches until you see some green.

10.       Snails and slugs are kicking into gear.  Get some snail bait before you plant tender plants.  Oh – by the way girls – throwing snails doesn’t hurt them at all.  They just crawl back. 

11.       Aphids are already starting to multiply and they love new growth.  Try 4# granular Bayer 2 n 1 Systemic Rose & Flower Care - Feeds and Protects from insects for 6 weeks.  Treats up to 32 roses!  Reg. $11.49 now only $9.99.  No spraying!  Just measure, feed and water in.

12.       As the weather warms be prepared to deal with rose diseases.  Not sure what to look for?  Go to:  www.risingsunnursery.com/Rose Diseases.htm  The more late rain we have the more problems we have.  Preventive care is the best way to treat roses.  Bayer Disease Control is an excellent spray  to prevent disease and it is systemic protecting the plant from the inside.  Bayer All-in-One protects plants from disease, insects and fertilizes.  Just measure and water in.  No spraying!