Prune azaleas and other spring flowering shrubs just after they finish blooming.
Begin scouting for azalea lace bugs and treat as needed. Lace bugs will succumb to many insecticides including acephate sold as Orthene, carbaryl sold as Sevin and insecticidal soap. Spray and repeat for 7 to 10 days. Begin a regular program for roses every 10 to 14 days to control black spot, aphids, spider mites and other pests. You can also come by the Garden Center and buy minimal care, disease resistant knock out roses.
Be sure danger of frost has passes in your area before setting out tender bedding plants.
Instead of cutting off the foliage of your spring flowering bulbs as they finish blooming, leave it in place to naturally decompose.
Prepare new flower beds. Although it is too early to plant in some regions of the state, it isn’t too early to till, incorporate organics, lime and fertilizer.
Question? Post a comment here or feel free to visit the Blackhawk Garden Center.
Happy Gardening!
~ Mary Mitchell
“The Gardening Grandma”
