Seasonal Tips, Older Entries
Lilacs are hardy, easy to grow, and low maintenance. They can grow from 5 to 15 feet tall, depending 
on the variety. The fragrant flowers are good for cutting and attractive to butterflies.
Planting
Grow lilacs in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil (at a pH near 7.0). If your soil is in poor condition, add compost to enrich.
Select a site where your lilac will get full sun—at least 6 hours. If lilacs don’t get enough sun, they will not bloom well.
Make sure the site drains well. Lilacs don’t like wet feet and will not bloom with too much water.
Plant in either spring or fall.
Transplanting lilacs from a nursery is easy. If it’s container-grown, spread out the roots as you settle the plant into the ground; if it’s balled or burlapped, gentle remove it and any rope before planting. Set the plant 2 or 3 inches deeper than it grew in the nursery, and work topsoil in around the roots. Water in. Then fill in the hole with more topsoil.
Space multiple lilac shrubs 5 to 15 feet apart, depending on the variety.
Read More *Courtesy Old Farmers Almanac
Seasonal Tips
August in Southeastern Wisconsin brings hot, humid days and warm nights—perfect for lush growth, but also demanding extra care in the garden. As the peak of summer shifts toward early fall, your beds and borders need attention to stay healthy, productive, and beautiful. Here are five essential tips to keep your August garden thriving in Zone 5:
1. Water Deeply and Mulch Wisely
August heat can stress plants and dry out beds quickly. Aim to water in the early morning, when temperatures are cooler and evaporation is minimal. Give your shrubs, vegetables, and annuals a deep soak—about 1–1½ inches of water per week—rather than quick, shallow sprinkles. This encourages roots to grow deeper, making plants more drought-tolerant.
After watering, replenish or add a 2–3-inch layer of organic mulch (shredded bark, composted leaves, or straw) around your plants. Mulch helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and moderate soil temperature. Just be sure to keep it a few inches away from stems and trunks to prevent rot.
2. Scout for Pests and Fungal Issues
Warm, humid conditions are ideal for pests and diseases. Check plants daily for signs of trouble:
- Japanese beetles on roses, grapes, and ornamentals—handpick early in the morning.
- Squash vine borer on pumpkins and squash—watch for wilting vines and bore holes at the crown.
- Powdery mildew on cucurbits and ornamentals—remove severely affected leaves and improve air circulation.
- Aphids and whiteflies on tender new growth—blast off with a garden hose or apply insecticidal soap.
Rotate watering methods away from overhead sprinklers to reduce leaf wetness, and treat any outbreaks promptly with organic options like neem oil or horticultural oil.
3. Harvest, Preserve, and Succession Plant
Your summer crops—tomatoes, beans, peppers, cucumbers—should be coming in strong now. Harvest regularly to encourage continued production and prevent over-ripening. Preserve bounty by canning, freezing, or fermenting excess.
At the same time, plan for a fall harvest:
- Direct-seed fast-maturing greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce) and root crops (radishes, beets) in mid-August.
- Transplant seedlings of kale, broccoli, and cabbage started indoors earlier.
- Sow cilantro and parsley for autumn flavor, and consider snap pea plantings for a late-season treat.
4. Deadhead, Divide, and Feed Your Flowers
Keep flower beds looking their best by deadheading spent blooms on annuals and perennials like petunias, rudbeckia, and coneflowers. This prevents seed set and redirects energy into new growth.
August is also an ideal time to divide overgrown perennials—daylilies, hostas, and phlox benefit from division to maintain vigor. Lift clumps, separate them into smaller sections, and replant immediately with fresh compost or organic matter. After division, give them a light feeding with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to support recovery before cooler weather sets in.
5. Plan Ahead for Fall and Lawn Health
As summer winds down, begin prepping for fall plantings and winter lawn health:
- Clean up any fallen leaves, spent annuals, and vegetable debris to reduce overwintering pests and diseases.
- Top-dress perennial beds with well-aged compost to boost soil structure and nutrient levels.
- Order spring-flowering bulbs (tulips, daffodils) now to ensure the best selection; store them in a cool, dark place until planting in September.
- For your lawn, consider aeration and late-summer overseeding in mid-August, followed by a light application of high-nitrogen fertilizer to encourage root development before frost.
Keep Your Garden Thriving!
By following these August gardening tips—wise watering, vigilant scouting, timely harvesting and succession planting, flower-bed maintenance, and fall preparation—you’ll set your garden up for success through the end of the season and into spring.
For all your supplies, seedlings, and expert advice, visit Heritage Hill Nursery at 10801 Pleasant Valley, Cedarburg, WI 53012, or explore our offerings online at heritagehillnurseryinc.com. Happy gardening!
Seasonal Tips
As July’s high temperatures and humidity settle in, your Southeast Wisconsin garden needs a little extra care to stay lush and productive. From keeping soil moisture consistent to staying ahead of pests and diseases, a few strategic tasks each week will help your plants power through the heat. Here are five essential July tips to maintain vibrant blooms, strong growth, and a healthy, low-maintenance landscape all month long.
Deep, Infrequent Watering
- Water early in the morning to reduce evaporation and fungal risk.
- Give established shrubs and perennials a thorough soak (1–1½ inches) once a week, rather than light daily sprinkles. This encourages deeper root growth and greater drought resilience.
Stay Vigilant Against Pests & Diseases
- Inspect leaves and stems weekly for signs of Japanese beetles, spider mites, or fungal diseases (black spot on roses, powdery mildew on phlox).
- Treat early with insecticidal soap or a targeted fungicide to prevent outbreaks from spreading.
Deadhead & Pinch to Extend Bloom
- Remove spent flowers on perennials and shrubs (coneflowers, phlox, roses) to encourage new bud formation and maintain a tidy appearance.
- For annuals like petunias and geraniums, pinch back leggy growth to promote a bushier habit and continued flowering.
Mulch & Weed Management
- Refresh or add a 2–3″ layer of organic mulch (bark, straw, or chopped leaves) around plants to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and keep soil temperatures stable.
- Pull weeds by hand before they set seed—mid-summer weeds can rapidly produce a second generation if left unchecked.
Feed & Support Summer Performers
- Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) to heavy feeders like roses, hydrangeas, and vegetables to sustain bloom and fruit development.
- Stake or cage tall perennials (delphiniums, tall phlox) before they flop under the weight of rain or blooms.
Seasonal Tips
As the heat of early summer settles in across Southeast Wisconsin, your garden is entering one of its most rewarding—and demanding—phases. June brings long days of sunshine, making it the perfect time to establish strong roots, manage emerging growth, and keep pests at bay. By adopting a few simple routines each week, you’ll help your plants thrive through warm days and unpredictable rains. Here are five essential tips to guide your June gardening efforts and ensure your landscape stays healthy, vibrant, and low-maintenance all season long.
Water Early and Deep
- Aim to water your garden beds and containers in the early morning (before 9 AM) to minimize evaporation and fungal risk.
- Give shrubs and perennials a deep soak—about 1 inch of water—once or twice a week rather than light daily misting. This encourages roots to grow deeper and makes plants more drought-resilient.
Stay Ahead of Weeds
- Pull young weeds by hand whenever you spot them; seedlings are far easier to remove before they set seeds.
- Apply a 2–3 inch layer of organic mulch (wood chips or shredded bark) around your perennials and shrubs to suppress new weed growth and conserve soil moisture.
Deadhead and Prune Spent Blooms
- Regularly deadhead spring-flowering perennials (like peonies and pulmonaria) to tidy appearance and encourage any possible rebloom.
- Trim back any early-season flowering shrubs (forsythia, lilac) immediately after bloom to allow new buds for next year’s flowers to form.
Watch for Early Pests and Diseases
- Scout leaves—especially on roses, lilacs, and peonies—for signs of aphids or powdery mildew. Treat small infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Keep foliage dry by pruning overcrowded branches and ensuring good air circulation around your plants.
Feed and Divide Perennials
- Apply a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) to established perennials and new plantings to support summer growth.
- If spring-blooming perennials (like hosta, iris, or bleeding heart) have become crowded, lift and divide now—replant healthy sections immediately and mulch to reduce transplant stress.
Seasonal Tips
Plant, Protect, and Prepare for a Successful Season
May is a pivotal month for gardeners in Southeast Wisconsin. With the soil warming and the last frost dates typically passing between May 10 and 20 , it’s the ideal time to dive into planting, maintenance, and preparation for a thriving summer garden. Here are five essential gardening tasks to focus on this month.
1. Plant Warm-Season Vegetables and Annuals
By mid-May, it’s generally safe to plant warm-season vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, squash, cucumbers, and beans. Soil temperatures should consistently reach at least 60°F for optimal growth. This is also the perfect time to add vibrant annuals such as marigolds, petunias, and zinnias to your garden beds and containers.
Planting Tip: Before transplanting seedlings started indoors, harden them off by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over a week. This process minimizes transplant shock and enhances their chances of thriving.
2. Divide Overcrowded Perennials
Spring is an excellent time to divide perennials like hostas, daylilies, and ornamental grasses.
- Encourages healthier, more vigorous plants
- Helps control the size of mature clumps
- Provides free plants to expand your garden or share with others
After dividing, water thoroughly and mulch around the new plantings to conserve moisture and reduce stress.
3. Feed Your Plants
The burst of spring growth can quickly deplete soil nutrients. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to nourish your garden beds, shrubs, and trees. Be sure to choose fertilizers appropriate for specific plant needs, such as acid-loving varieties like azaleas and rhododendrons.
Fertilizer Tip: Applying fertilizer just before a rainstorm can help the nutrients seep into the soil more effectively.
4. Prune Spring-Flowering Shrubs After Bloom
Shrubs that bloom in early spring, such as lilacs, forsythias, and viburnums, should be pruned soon after they finish flowering. Proper pruning encourages:
- Better shape and structure
- More abundant blooms for next year
- Removal of any dead or damaged wood
Waiting too long to prune can reduce next year’s flowering.
5. Prepare for Common Pests
As the weather warms, insect pests such as aphids, slugs, and beetles begin to appear. Early preventative measures are important to keep damage minimal without resorting to heavy chemical use.
Pest Management Strategies:
- Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs and predatory wasps
- Hand-pick larger pests whenever possible
- Use row covers to protect young vegetable plants
- Keep garden beds weed-free, as weeds can harbor pests
May is the Month of Opportunity
The work you put into your garden now will pay off all season long. Whether you’re planting new flowers, setting out vegetable transplants, or installing a fountain to create a peaceful retreat, Heritage Hill Nursery is here to help. Stop by for expert advice, fresh plants, and the tools you need to make this your best gardening season yet.
Seasonal Tips, Trees - Planting & Care
April marks the start of true gardening season here in Southeast Wisconsin. The snow is gone (we hope!), the soil is warming up, and garden centers are bustling with excitement. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting your hands dirty, this month offers the perfect opportunity to prep, plant, and plan for a thriving season ahead.
Here are five essential April gardening tips to help you start strong:
1. Clean Up Your Beds – But Be Gentle with Pollinators
It’s tempting to go full throttle with your spring cleanup, but take a closer look before clearing leaves and stems. Many beneficial insects — especially native bees, butterflies, and ladybugs — are still sheltering in last year’s plant debris.
🧤 Tip: Start cleaning up around emerging perennials, but leave some areas undisturbed until temperatures are consistently above 50°F. This gives pollinators time to safely wake up and move on.
2. Test and Prep Your Soil
Before diving into planting, give your soil some love. A simple soil test can help you understand your garden’s pH and nutrient levels — a crucial step in making sure your plants thrive.
🧪 You can get a test kit from your local extension office or garden center.
🌱 While you wait for results, work in compost or well-rotted manure to add organic matter and improve drainage.
And don’t forget, early spring is the best time to apply a Pre-Emergent Herbicide, especially when adding soil amendments
3. Plant Cold-Hardy Vegetables & Annuals
Mid-to-late April is prime time for sowing cool-season crops like:
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Kale
- Peas
- Radishes
- Broccoli and cabbage transplants
You can also start setting out cold-hardy annuals like pansies, violas, and snapdragons, which tolerate chilly nights and brighten up early beds and containers.
4. Prune Shrubs the Right Way
April is a great time to prune certain shrubs — but timing is everything. Use this simple rule:
✂️ Prune summer and fall bloomers now (like spirea, hydrangea paniculata, and potentilla)
🌸 Wait to prune spring bloomers (like lilac, forsythia, and weigela) until after they flower, or you risk cutting off this year’s buds.
Bonus Tip: Don’t prune roses too early! Wait until you see new growth beginning.
5. Mulch Smartly to Suppress Weeds and Lock in Moisture
As the soil warms, adding a fresh layer of mulch can:
- Suppress early weeds
- Hold in moisture
- Regulate soil temperature
- Give your beds a clean, finished look
Use 2–3 inches of shredded bark, straw, or leaf mulch, but keep mulch away from the base of plants and tree trunks to prevent rot and pests.
🌼 April is a Month of Momentum
This is the time to get your hands in the soil, take stock of your garden’s layout, and make plans for new plantings. Whether you’re sowing seeds, preparing beds, or simply soaking up sunshine on a garden bench, know that each small step you take now sets the stage for a thriving, beautiful season ahead.
Keep an eye on the forecast, listen to your garden, and don’t hesitate to visit us for expert advice and plant recommendations tailored to our region.
