Spring Garden Maintenance

In many areas, it's already time to think about spring maintenance such as pruning, deterring gophers and fertilizing.

Viburnum lentago
Item # 97430 		Viburnum lentago
Nannyberry

each $7.99
3 to 6 plants $7.79
7 or more $7.59
  • Topic: Spring Gardening
  • Author: David Salman
  • Keywords: spring maintenance
  • Date: March 2007

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In many areas, it’s already time to think about spring maintenance such as pruning, deterring gophers and fertilizing.

In areas of the garden where you’ve planted lots of spring blooming bulbs get going right away so you’re not trampling the new bulb shoots as you’re working

Most perennials and ornamental grasses need cutting back and a few shrubs may need a little pruning. Pruning of deciduous shrubs is generally done during dormant periods. The exception are spring flowering shrubs that bloom on old wood. These include favorites such as Lilacs, Viburnum, Forsythia, Philadelphus and Quince.

  • Prune Lilacs, Viburnum, Forsythia, Philadelphus, Prunus and Quince after blooming.
  • Prune summer blooming Buddleia, Caryopteris and Potentilla in mid-spring once new growth has started.

Summer blooming shrubs should have their branches cut back by about one third to two-third their height. Do this every two to three years depending on your climate. Prune less frequently and remove less wood in areas with harsher climates. Russian Sage should be cut back by about two-thirds each spring

Cut back Ornamental grasses to about six inches above ground level or (lower for smaller species). Then scratch out the center of the clump to remove dead stubble. Cut back most perennials to about six inches or to just above the new growth coming from the crown of the plant. Lavender, woody Salvia, Rosemary and other woody perennials should be pruned to remove winter killed wood only after you see the first signs of new growth beginning to push from the main stems. All this pruning and trimming is made easy with a great pair of Felco pruning shears.

If you have gophers, this is the time to apply Gopher-Med. Remember to plant some Daffodils next fall as they help repel gophers, and are also very pretty. If you did not fertilize last fall, apply a light top dressing of Yum Yum Mix in your perennial borders. Scratch in slightly with a garden fork or trowel. Lastly, make sure you have a nice layer of mulch in your beds. Then, get ready to enjoy a season of glorious blooms.