April showers bring May flowers...

It's 35 degrees right now.
It snowed today, there were actual flurries.  I watched them from the windows at work and wanted to cry.

Rain, snow and cold wind... that's what Chicago experienced today.  By now most people are saying they are done with winter.  And we (like everyone else) agree.  But, love it or hate it... this weather is great for our plants. 

With the ground being consistently wet this time of year, you want to avoid walking on it  to prevent compaction to your soil.  This is where the wind will help.  The wind helps to dry out our soil from winter snows and the recent rains. With all the rain we've had, make sure that you get out there and clean up your beds.  I cannot stress this enough.  You don't want to lose your plants to root and crown rot.  These two brutes occur when there is excess soil moisture.  Clay soil and low areas are especially prone to holding too much moisture.  You can help to improve your soil texture by adding plenty of organic material when you plant your perennials.  Remember, peat is your friend.  If you have a low area that is holding moisture, consider installing a raised bed for improved drainage.  When you mulch, do not pile mulch right up to the plant.  Give it some "personal space" to avoid crown rot. 

Overall, our temperatures are steadily rising and our days are getting longer each week.  Spring is here.  The bulbs that we planted last fall are blooming.  Later season plants are beginning to grow.  Summer is just around the corner.  

But don't be fooled just yet.  Nighttime frosts are still a possibility this month.  Keep some newspapers or sheets of plastic handy in the event you have to cover vulnerable plants if temperatures drop.

Enjoy the weather when you can, but don't risk putting out too much, too early.

What should you do in your garden today?

FERTILIZE:  If you haven't yet fertilized, definitely now is the time to do so.  Clean up your beds by pulling back mulch, fluffing up soil with a rake and apply your fertilizer.  Make sure to replace your mulch.  Now is also the time to fertilize your trees and shrubs.  Areas that need the attention the most are your vegetable and fruit gardens, annual borders and your plants in containers.  These plants take the most nutrients out of the soil, so feed them to keep them in a healthy state. Also make sure to fertilize your lawn, it's hungry too.

If you're planning to plant any trees or shrubs, today is the day to do it!  Spring and fall are the best times to plant trees and shrubs.  Make sure that your tree/shrub is watered thoroughly before putting it in the ground.  While you are in the planting mood, now is the time to plant your summer bulbs like gladioli and lilies.

Photo courtesy of Clare Bloomfield

WEED AND DIVIDE PERENNIALS:  while you are out there tidying up your beds, take the time to pull out any weeds that you see.  Any plants that are taking up too much space can be pruned and divided at this time. Remember, any shrubs that you prune need to be fertilized at this time.  Make sure that you are dead-heading any spring bulbs that have bloomed.  KEEP THE GREEN FOLIAGE, remove only the spent flower!  If you haven't trimmed down your ornamental grass... get out there and do it today. 

REMEMBER:

A little work now... will go a long way in a few months!