Florida Garden Checklist
Texas Garden Checklist
Spring-Blooming Trees
Redbuds, Oriental magnolias, flowering cherries, dogwoods,
serviceberries, peaches, and fringe trees can add seasonal color to your yard. Plant three o five of
the same selection to create more impact in the landscape.
You can also cut the branches and use them for bouquets. To learn how, see "Spring's Early
Gifts" on page 68 of the February 2004 issue of Southern Living.
- Weeds--Remove these pesky plants from dormant warm-season lawns by hand-pulling or applying a broadleaf weed control such as Weed-B-Gon or Weed Stop. Use a granular crabgrass preventer, such as Sta-Green Crab-Ex or Scotts Halts, to kill the crabgrass just as it is sprouting. To learn more, read "Zap Winter Weeds" on page 72 of the February 2004 issue of Southern Living.
- Orchids--For color indoors that lasts for six weeks or more, try moth orchids (Phalaenopsis sp.). They can be purchased at garden centers, nurseries, and grocery stores. When selecting orchids, choose plants that have just one or two flowers open with lots of buds.
- Forsythia--It's starting to bloom now and is easy to grow. Folks who are captivated by this shrub's bright yellow blooms often plant several forsythias without realizing how large they will grow. These people end up pruning their plants harshly, destroying their graceful form. Just remember to give them room, because the 1-gallon pots you buy today can produce 8-foot-tall plants in just a few years. Their natural form is fountain-like and best displayed in woodland borders. 'Spectabilis' is a larger growing, showy selection. If you do not have a lot of room, try planting smaller ones such as 'Goldtide' or 'Fiesta,' which grow 4 feet high or less.
- Peas--Sow English or sugar snap peas in your garden now. Seed while the weather is cool to give plants time to grow, flower, and set fruit before it gets too hot. Try 'Maestro' English peas and 'Super Sugar Snap' peas. For more information on sugar snaps, read "Peas That Please" on page of the February 2004 issue of Southern Living.
- Soil preparation--Now is a good time to do a test to determine soil pH. You can send a sample to your local Extension office or purchase a testing kit from a garden center. The mild days of winter are perfect for getting soil ready for next season's vegetables. Use a garden fork to turn small areas or a tiller for larger spaces. Incorporate organic matter such as peat, rotted compost, or shredded leaves. Add lime or gypsum, if necessary.
- Roses--Good selections are available now at garden centers. If you purchase bare-root roses, soak roots overnight in water. When planting, add organic matter to help the soil retain moisture as new roots become established.
