Annuals, Vegetables, Perennials and Shrubs… Oh My!

Proven Winner Certification – We are pleased to announce that we have been named a 2023 Proven Winners Certified Garden Center. This high-level distinction signifies that our employees have completed a comprehensive training course to develop the expertise in assisting our customers in choosing and growing Proven Winners plants successfully. Our customers can count on us to have reliable advice about Proven Winners annuals, perennials, and flowering shrubs including the newest introductions for 2023. Be sure to look for the Proven Winner brand annuals, perennials and shrubs in our nursery yard! 

Planting Annuals in May – In any given year, the last anticipated frost date for our Planting Zone (6b) is between May 11th – May 20th.  This means that while May 11th forward is considered safer than early in May, a possibility still exists for frost until May 20th.  Planting annuals and vegetables in the ground before this date will require vigilance with overnight lows.  It’s not just freezing temps that does damage.  A clear 40 degree night with no wind can cause damage to more susceptible plants (Basil, peppers, dahlias, ageratum, etc).  Bear in mind that when planting annuals outdoors, soil temperature is as important as air temperature.  If you plant your annuals into soil that is colder than the environment they’re accustomed to, the roots will go into shock, and growth will be set back significantly.  Planting into warm soil is immensely important in getting the best results.  Planting annuals and vegetables in planters, raised beds, patio pots and hanging baskets is less of a shock as the soil is warmer above ground, but these are susceptible to damage as well when overnight temps are at 40 degrees or below.  If overnight temps are predicted, better to be safe than sorry.  Protect your plants with a covering or by moving them under cover!

Planting Perennials and Shrubs in May – Go for it.  The Lawn Depot Nursery Yard is filled with a terrific variety and supply of thriving perennials and shrubs.  Our professional staff are ready and waiting to help you pick the right perennials for your situation.

Fertilizing Young Trees, Shrubs, Perennials, and Bulbs in May – Shrubs, perennials, ground covers and bulbs should be fed with slow-release (either natural organic or synthetic slow-release granules) fertilizers in the spring (at the beginning of the growing season) and the late fall (the end of the season).  Trees (less than 5-6 years in their present location) and large shrubs are best fed with formed fertilizer spikes.  Using a crowbar or strong wooden stake, poke holes at the dripline of the plant, 12-15” into the soil, use 3 spikes for every 2” of tree caliper/shrub height, and drop the fertilizer into the holes.  Leave the holes open; whether in mulch or lawn.  They’ll fill in naturally.

Protecting Trees and Shrubs from Insects and Diseases, Season-Long – Now is the time to apply one of the excellent, season-long insect and disease controlling products available for young trees and most shrubs.  These systemic pesticides are safe in the environment, long-lasting, and wide spectrum, so the homeowner can be confident that valuable plants will not be bothered by insects or diseases.  Ask in the Garden Center for the specific products that will be best for your situation.

Weed Control in Landscaped Areas – Mulch looks good when first applied, and it helps control weeds if applied at depths of 3-4” (cumulative).  However, lots of weeds can germinate in landscaped areas in or on top of the mulch.  To help control this, we advise that you apply a pre-emergent garden weed preventer (Treflan) as you apply the mulch in the early spring, and then apply follow-up layers every 6 weeks through July.  Many weed prevention product manufacturers may claim “season-long” control, but this can vary due to weather and heat.  For best results, you should apply these products on the surface every 6 weeks through July.

Birds and Beneficial Creatures – Wouldn’t it be great to have a natural way to keep insects like ants, ticks, flies, gnats and mosquitoes in check in your yards?  Did you know that many birds eat these insects?  Bluebirds, robins and purple martins to name a few.  Why not encourage them to stay around your yard by putting up bird houses and feeders for them?  Not only will they help with pest control, but they are beautiful to watch too! NOW is the time to attract hummingbirds to your yard.  They have already been spotted and will be looking to establish their territory for feeding for the season.  These beautiful creatures are graceful and so amazing to watch.

We have a great selection of feeders, poles, baffles, houses, and a wide variety of bird food mixes and straight products.  Come on in and take a look at our line of excellent birding products.  We also carry bat houses for those of you who would like a natural way to combat mosquitoes and beneficial bee and insect houses to help with pests and pollination of annuals, vegetables, etc. 

Protecting Plants from Damage – Many of you have already been dealing with plant damage caused by deer and rabbits.  Yes, we know they’re cute, but they can wreak havoc on the tender new plant growth that spring brings.  We recommend regular applications of deer repellent sprays and/or granules for all vulnerable plants.  Most repellents list the number of days they last “up to”.  This is the manufacturer’s estimate.  Many things affect the timeframe these products should be reapplied.  Rain is the main factor.  It is best to err on the side of earlier rather than later, as it is more difficult to attain control if active feeding has already begun.  The garden center has a large selection of various types of repellents to choose from for deer, rabbits, etc.  Our knowledgeable staff is here to help you choose the product that will work best for your situation.  Don’t wait until it’s too late!

We look forward to our continued relationship with old and new customers this spring. Now in our 50th year, we’re stronger than ever, in both the Garden Center and Turf Management, and we owe it all to you, the best and most loyal customers on earth.  Thank you for your continued patronage!  We can’t wait to be of service to you this season!

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