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Seasonal Plant Tips

Filed under: — admin @ 8:17 am


THINGS TO DO:

pink potted hydrangea azalea

Need to know how to care for a hydrangea , Azalea , or Cyclamen and more? Look in the Houseplant care category.

-By now you should have started seeds-so that they’re ready to go outdoors when the weather permits. For easy tips and suggestions on how and when to get started indoors read my article on starting seeds
-If the soil is workable plant: beets, cabbage, carrots, kohlrabi, onions, peas,radishes, spinach, turnips, seeds directly in the garden. Cover the seeds with light soil mix or vermiculite. Veggies such as cucumbers and squash can also be started in peat pots for easy transplanting. Be sure to “harden off” your plants before planting them outdoors.

-When choosing plants for your flowers beds, look for healthy foliage, with flower buds just starting to show color. Don’t be tempted to buy annuals with showy, blooming flowers since they should be removed at planting time to focus energy to root production. Avoid yellowing or brown lower leaves, roots coming out of the bottom of the container.

-Don’t plant too early. The garden centers are starting to load up with plants but if you live in cooler climates like the midwest-wait to plant. Tender flowers will sit and do nothing if the soil and air temperature are too cold and if a frost hits then all will be lost. Soil temperatures should be in the 50’s for safe planting. Warm weather plants such as impatients, tomatoes and peppers should be planted when all danger of frost has passed and nighttime temperature are above 60F. If you can’t plant right away, water and place the container in the suggested light (sun or shade)during the day when temperatures are warm. Bring indoors/garage at night.

Pansies and violas can be planted at this time. They prefer cooler weather and tolerate a light frost .

viola

Outdoors:

-Summer and fall blooming perennials should be divided in Spring.
-When bulb foliage begins to show, sprinkle a bulb booster or 5-10-5 fertilizer on the soil and water in. Wash off any fertilizer that lands on the foliage.

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5 Comments on Seasonal Plant Tips»

  1. I pulled up my cala lilies to bring in for the winter, and at the end of one of them is like a big seed ball? I thought cala lilies were bulbs? Can I open the ball and dry the seeds and plant them? It is very strange!

    It is the seed pod go to Calla lilies scroll down to the Q & A’s for more info on drying seeds and planting.

    Comment by beth — 9/14/2007 @ 8:38 am

  2. I would like to know when red maple trees are suppose to turn red and how long do they stay red? I think someone sold me regular maple trees because mine have yellow and brown leaves that are falling off. thank you

    Hi Drenda
    Depending on the weather and temperatures, leaves can stay colored for several weeks. A hard freeze can cause leaves to drop earlier. Red maple (Acer rubrum) is so called because new growth - leaves and petioles are often red. It is one of the first trees to color in the fall-which can vary from greenish yellow to yellow to brilliant red. In order to assure good fall color you need to make sure that you have a cultivar of red maple such as “Autumn Flame", “October Glory” or “Red Sunset". These are known to retain their leaves and maintain brilliant fall color longer.

    Comment by Drenda — 11/14/2007 @ 10:22 am

  3. Hello again. I live in zone 8 and sometimes it gets below freezing. I’m not sure what kind of hibiscus I have. When they freeze I cut them back at the end of winter. They come back good, they grow fast and they get about 5 to 6 feet tall, they’re just not making many flowers. I really appreciate your help. Thank you

    Hi Drenda,
    You may have a confederate rose (Hibiscus mutabilis). Some reason that they fail to bloom is: too wet, too dry, too much nitrogen (the 1st number) and too much shade. U. of Florida recommends: fertilize lightly 4x a year with a 15-5-10 or 15-5-15 with micronutrients. For large plants spread the fertilizer slightly beyond the dripline, 1/2 to 1 lb per plant in early spring, after 1st flush of growth, midsummer and September.

    Comment by Drenda — 11/20/2007 @ 7:44 pm

  4. Just wanted to say thank you for the response to my question about gardenia/jasmine issues. You are a great resource. Thanks again!

    You’re welcome. Hope it helped.

    Comment by Drue Fergison — 2/25/2008 @ 3:36 pm

  5. Hello, I need your help again. I had received a dwarf weeping peach tree. it is 5 or 6 years old. the height is the same… but I would like to know if there is a certain fertilizer you would recommend for the “limbs” or branches to grow on it. It still has the same amount of them as when I got it… Also when is the proper time to set out hanging geranium plants ?? thanks for you help..

    Hi Nancy,

    The recommended fertilizer is the same as for any other fruit tree. Apply a balanced fertilizer 10-10-10 in early spring. Before bud break is the best time. Spread the fertilizer 2-3 ft from the trunk and extend out beyond the dripline. Set out your geraniums when day temperatures are 65F and night temps at 55F. IF the nights get too cool bring them indoors. Have a great spring!

    Comment by Nancy, Harvey\’s Lake, Pa — 5/1/2008 @ 3:59 pm

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