APRIL HORT TIPS from Gail

With the long period of snow cover this winter, the spring seems a bit delayed this year. If you’re like me, you’re dying to get into the garden. This year, in particular, it pays to have patience!

–Gail Anderson, IGC Horticulturist

Workable Soil

Garden soil is ready to work, when it falls apart after you gently compress it in your hand.

Wet Lawns

Avoid walking on wet lawns. Wait until the lawn is dry enough so you cannot see your footprints. Otherwise, the soil will become compacted leaving no vital air spaces for the roots of the grass.

Do not rake wet lawns. You may damage or uproot clumps of grass. Wait until debris dries and rakes easily.

Mulch

The last official frost date in Boston is May 1^st. However, your garden may have low, cold spots and experience frost even later. Refrain from removing mulch from perennial borders or roses until mid April when perennials are beginning to show green. Lightly recover sensitive shoots, if a severe frost is forecast.

Pruning

Most corrective pruning should have been completed in March. However, with the severe damage caused by the snow, many trees and shrubs still need attention. Complete spring pruning as soon as possible and well before leaf bud break.

U Mass Extension recommends the following priorities for pruning trees and shrubs:

1. Safety 2. Plant Health 3. Aesthetics

Rose Pruning

Prune roses when your forsythia shrubs show yellow

Ornamental Grasses

Cut all ornamental grasses to the ground as soon as possible to avoid damaging new shoots. For better control of tall grasses such as Miscanthus spp., tie a “belly band” of stout twine about halfway up the foliage. Then cut with electric hedge shears. (I usually make two cuts, the first about a third of the way from the ground to reduce weight, the second a few inches above ground level.) Be sure to wear eye protection.