1) NOT PLANNING BEFORE YOU PLANT
Have a plan. If you need help, visit our in-house designer (It’s FREE!) or one of our horticulturalists to help. Planning will save you time and money.
2) TILLING THE GARDEN WHEN IT IS WET!
If the soil is too wet, it will clump and stay like that for the rest of the season.
3) NOT PREPARING YOUR BEDS BEFORE PLANTING
When planting new trees, shrubs, evergreens, etc., use Pine Soil Conditioner as a soil amendment, and get those plants off to a great start using Fertilome’s Root Stimulator.
4) CONTAINER GARDEN WITH POOR SOIL AND NO DRAINAGE
Use a top grade potting mix like Fertilome, and Osmocote for a slow all season feeding, Soil Moist or Coir to help cut down on watering, and make sure the container has good drainage. DO NOT put gravel or clay chips in the bottoms of pots it slows drainage and makes the pots heavier.
5) WAITING TO TREAT CRITTERS
Start using your critter repellents NOW, to keep those critters moving on to the neighbor’s lawn. Re-apply as needed.
6) IGNORING WINTER WEEDS
Rake and remove winter weeds such as henbit, chickweed, hairy bittercress, and purple deadnettle before they flower and seed. Still, time to apply pre-emergent crabgrass preventers to the lawn.
7) NOT WATCHING FOR INSECTS
Watch for insects on new foliage and treat as needed. Identify the problem first, then determine if it needs to be controlled and then find the solution. A strong stream of water works wonders on many bugs and Grow Covers can physically keep bugs off veggie crops. There are also several insecticidal soaps, horticultural oils, and several natural bug controls. Remember never spray when pollinators are active on the plants and to read the label. Bee Friendly and Pollinator Polite!
8) WAITING TO PLANT COOL-SEASON LOVING PLANTS
It is time to plant cool-season greens, onions, rhubarb, and horseradish. Don’t forget about adding spring color with plants like cold-tolerant pansies.
9) PRUNING AT THE WRONG TIME
Prune spring-flowering shrubs after they flower, and summer flowering shrubs in the spring. Also, prune evergreens before they send out their new growth. Haven’t pruned your roses yet? Now’s the time!
10) NOT ACCLIMATING YOUR PLANTS BEFORE TAKING THEM OUTDOORS
Taking indoor plants outdoors? Make sure the temps have warmed sufficiently, and then move them out. Be sure to acclimate them first! Place in the shade for several days, then half sun, then full sun. Otherwise, the leaves may scorch! The same applies to taking seedlings/transplants from the indoors to outdoors.