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.
As the temperatures start to dip and the days get shorter, October is a critical month for gardeners in Cedarburg, WI. The fall chill brings new challenges, but it’s also the perfect time to prepare your garden for winter and set it up for a successful spring.
Whether you’re wrapping up the last of your harvest, tending to your perennial beds, or taking steps to protect your plants from frost, there are plenty of tasks to keep you busy. Follow these October gardening tips to ensure your landscape stays healthy through the cold months ahead.
1. Clean Up the Garden
One of the most important tasks for October is cleaning up your garden beds. As plants start to die back, it’s essential to remove any spent annuals, vegetables, and diseased plant material to prevent pests and diseases from overwintering in your garden.
Remove Dead Plants: Pull out any annuals that have finished their lifecycle and dispose of them, especially if they show signs of disease or pest damage.
Cut Back Perennials: Trim back perennials after the first frost, but leave a few seed heads like coneflowers and black-eyed Susans for wildlife. Birds love to snack on the seeds during the winter months.
Weeding: Weeds can still sprout in the cooler weather, so take the time to remove any stubborn weeds before they go to seed. This will give you a head start for next spring.
A clean garden not only looks better, but it also reduces the risk of harboring unwanted pests and diseases that could affect next year’s growth.
2. Prepare Your Soil for Spring
While it may seem like spring is far off, October is an ideal time to start preparing your garden soil for next year. Improving your soil now will give it plenty of time to settle over the winter, resulting in a healthier, more fertile growing medium come spring.
Add Compost: Spread a layer of compost over your garden beds to enrich the soil with organic matter. This will help improve the soil’s structure, water retention, and nutrient content. The freeze-thaw cycles of winter will help work the compost into the soil naturally.
Mulch: Apply a thick layer of mulch around your perennials, shrubs, and trees. Mulch acts as insulation, helping to regulate soil temperature and retain moisture during the winter. It also suppresses weeds and prevents erosion. Choose organic mulches like shredded leaves, straw, or wood chips, which will break down over time and further enrich your soil.
3. Plant Bulbs for a Spring Spectacle
October is the last chance to plant spring-flowering bulbs like tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and crocuses. These bulbs need to be in the ground before the soil freezes to ensure they get the cold dormancy they need to bloom beautifully in spring.
Choosing Bulbs: Select healthy, firm bulbs for planting. Look for varieties that are well-suited to your climate, and choose a mix of early, mid, and late-season bloomers to extend your spring display.
Planting Depth: A good rule of thumb is to plant bulbs at a depth of about three times their height. For example, a 2-inch bulb should be planted about 6 inches deep.
Group Planting: For the most striking visual effect, plant bulbs in clusters or drifts rather than in straight lines. This will create a natural, flowing look when they bloom.
4. Harvest the Last of Your Fall Vegetables
If you’ve been growing a fall vegetable garden, October is the time to bring in the last of your harvest before the first hard frost.
Cool-Season Veggies: Vegetables like kale, spinach, and broccoli can tolerate light frosts, so they may continue to produce into October. Keep an eye on the weather forecast and cover these crops with row covers or frost blankets if a hard freeze is expected.
Winter Squash and Pumpkins: Harvest winter squash and pumpkins before the first hard frost, as freezing temperatures can damage the skin and affect storage quality. Store them in a cool, dry place to enjoy throughout the winter.
Root Vegetables: Crops like carrots, beets, and parsnips can be left in the ground until the first frost, which actually improves their flavor. However, be sure to harvest them before the soil freezes solid.
5. Protect Your Plants from Frost
In Cedarburg, WI, the first frost typically hits in mid-to-late October, so it’s important to be prepared to protect your more tender plants.
Frost Blankets: Have frost blankets or old bedsheets on hand to cover plants like peppers, tomatoes, and basil if frost is in the forecast. Covering plants overnight can give them a few extra weeks of productivity before the cold shuts them down completely.
Bring Container Plants Indoors: Any tender plants that are growing in containers, such as herbs or tropical plants, should be moved indoors before the first frost. Be sure to inspect them for pests before bringing them inside, and gradually acclimate them to the indoor environment by bringing them in at night and leaving them outside during the day for a few days.
6. Divide and Transplant Perennials
October is an excellent time to divide overgrown perennials and transplant them to new areas of your garden. Dividing perennials not only helps control their size, but it also promotes healthier, more vigorous growth.
When to Divide: If your perennials have become too crowded, or if they are flowering less than usual, it’s time to divide them. Plants like hostas, daylilies, and irises benefit from being divided every few years.
How to Divide: Carefully dig up the plant, being sure to preserve as much of the root system as possible. Use a sharp spade or knife to divide the root ball into sections, each with at least a few shoots and a healthy portion of roots. Replant the divisions immediately and water well to help them settle in.
7. Watering in Fall
Don’t stop watering your garden just because the temperatures are cooler. Trees, shrubs, and perennials need plenty of moisture in the fall to help them survive the winter.
Deep Watering: Water your trees and shrubs deeply, especially if the weather has been dry. This will ensure their roots are well-hydrated going into the winter months. A thorough soaking once a week is usually sufficient.
Winter Drought Protection: In dry winters, evergreens and newly planted trees and shrubs can suffer from winter drought. Be sure they’re well-watered before the ground freezes to minimize the risk of damage.
8. Prepare Your Garden Tools and Outdoor Decor
As gardening season winds down, October is the perfect time to care for your garden tools and protect outdoor decor, especially items vulnerable to winter weather.
Clean and Sharpen Tools: Wash off any soil or debris from your tools, and sharpen blades on pruners, shears, and shovels. Proper maintenance now will extend their life and ensure they’re ready to use in spring.
Store Properly: Keep tools in a dry, sheltered area, and apply a thin coat of oil to metal surfaces to prevent rust during the winter months.
In addition to tools, concrete bird baths, fountains, and other statuary that can retain water should be either wrapped in protective waterproof coverings or moved indoors. Water that remains in these structures can freeze and thaw throughout the winter, causing cracks that compromise their integrity. Protecting them now will prevent damage and ensure they’re ready to enjoy again in the spring.
By following these October gardening tips, you’ll not only protect your plants and prepare them for winter, but you’ll also set the stage for a vibrant, thriving garden come spring. Whether you’re cleaning up, planting bulbs, or harvesting the last of your vegetables, there’s plenty to do to keep your garden in top shape this month. Happy gardening!
September Garden Tips for Cedarburg, WI: Preparing Your Garden for Fall
As the vibrant colors of summer begin to fade, September marks a crucial transition period for your garden. In Cedarburg, WI, this is the perfect time to prepare your landscape for the cooler months ahead while ensuring it remains beautiful and productive. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, these essential tips will help you keep your garden in top shape this September.
1. Plan for Fall Planting
September is ideal for planting cool-season vegetables, perennials, and spring-flowering bulbs. The soil remains warm enough to encourage root growth, and the cooler air temperatures reduce stress on new plants. Here’s what to focus on:
Cool-Season Vegetables: Start planting crops like kale, spinach, lettuce, and radishes in early to mid-September. These vegetables thrive in cooler weather and can even tolerate a light frost. For a continuous harvest, consider planting a succession of crops every couple of weeks.
Perennials: Now is the time to plant perennials such as hostas, coneflowers, and daylilies. Planting them in September allows them to establish strong root systems before the ground freezes, ensuring they return strong in the spring.
Spring-Flowering Bulbs: Prepare for next spring’s floral display by planting bulbs like tulips, daffodils, and crocuses. These bulbs require a period of cold dormancy, so planting them in September gives them plenty of time to settle before winter.
2. Lawn Care: Fertilize and Reseed
Your lawn needs attention as the seasons change. September is one of the best times to fertilize and reseed your lawn in Cedarburg, thanks to the cooler temperatures and increased rainfall.
Fertilization: Apply a fall-specific fertilizer in early September. Fall fertilizers are formulated with higher potassium levels to strengthen roots and improve cold resistance. A healthy lawn in the fall will emerge greener and more vibrant in the spring.
Reseeding: If your lawn has bare or thin patches, September is an ideal time to reseed. The warm soil encourages quick germination, and the cool air reduces stress on young grass. Choose a grass seed mix appropriate for Cedarburg’s climate, such as Kentucky bluegrass or fescue, and keep the soil moist until the new grass is established.
3. Harvest and Preserve Your Summer Crops
September is the time to enjoy the rewards of your summer gardening efforts. Many vegetables and herbs are at their peak, so be sure to harvest them regularly to encourage continued production.
Tomatoes and Peppers: Harvest ripe tomatoes and peppers before the first frost. To enjoy them throughout the winter, consider canning, drying, or freezing them.
Herbs: Gather herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme before the weather turns cold. Preserve their flavor by drying them using a dehydrator or air-drying, or by freezing them for use in winter recipes.
Winter Squash and Pumpkins: As days grow shorter, check your winter squash and pumpkins for ripeness. Harvest them before the first hard frost and store them in a cool, dry place to enjoy throughout the winter.
4. Tend to Your Perennial Beds
Perennial beds require special care in September to ensure they remain healthy and vibrant in the coming year.
Deadheading: Continue deadheading spent blooms on perennials to encourage more flowers and prevent plants from putting energy into seed production. This also keeps your garden looking tidy.
Divide and Transplant: If your perennials have outgrown their space or are becoming crowded, September is a good time to divide and transplant them. This helps rejuvenate the plants and allows you to spread your favorite perennials to other areas of the garden.
Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch around your perennials to help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature as the weather cools. Mulch also suppresses weeds and protects plant roots from freezing temperatures.
5. Prepare Trees and Shrubs for Winter
Trees and shrubs provide structure and beauty to your landscape, so it’s important to care for them as the seasons change.
Watering: Continue to water your trees and shrubs deeply throughout September, especially if the weather is dry. Proper hydration helps them withstand the upcoming winter.
Pruning: Avoid heavy pruning of trees and shrubs in September, as this can stimulate new growth that may not harden off before winter. However, remove any dead or diseased branches to keep your plants healthy.
Protecting Young Trees: If you have young trees, consider wrapping the trunks with tree guards to protect them from sunscald and damage from animals like deer and rabbits during the winter.
6. Compost and Clean Up the Garden
As the growing season winds down, cleaning up your garden is essential to prevent pests and diseases from overwintering.
Remove Spent Plants: Pull up and compost any spent vegetable plants, annuals, and weeds. This reduces the likelihood of pests and diseases carrying over into the next season.
Composting: September is a great time to start or add to your compost pile. Layer garden waste like leaves, grass clippings, and spent plants with kitchen scraps to create nutrient-rich compost for next year’s garden.
Tool Maintenance: After a season of hard work, your garden tools need some TLC. Clean, sharpen, and oil your tools before storing them for the winter. This will help extend their life and ensure they’re ready to go when spring arrives.
7. Enjoy the Fall Blooms
While much of your garden may be winding down, there are still plenty of plants that will bring vibrant color to your landscape in September.
Chrysanthemums: Mums are a fall favorite and come in a variety of colors. Plant them in pots or directly in the ground to brighten up your garden as other plants begin to fade.
Asters: Asters bloom in late summer and early fall, adding a splash of purple, pink, or white to your garden. They’re a great choice for attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies as they prepare for winter.
Sedum: Sedum, particularly varieties like ‘Autumn Joy,’ offers beautiful pink to rust-colored blooms that last well into the fall. Their fleshy leaves add texture to the garden, and they’re incredibly low-maintenance.
8. Consider Cover Crops
If you have a vegetable garden, planting cover crops in September can greatly benefit your soil. Cover crops like clover, rye, or winter wheat help prevent soil erosion, suppress weeds, and add organic matter to the soil when tilled under in the spring, improving soil structure and fertility.
9. Get Ready for Frost
In Cedarburg, WI, the first frost can arrive as early as late September. Be prepared to protect your plants when frost is in the forecast.
Frost Blankets: Have frost blankets or old sheets on hand to cover sensitive plants like tomatoes, peppers, and annual flowers.
Bring Plants Indoors: If you have potted plants or herbs that you want to save, bring them indoors before the first frost. Be sure to check for pests before bringing them inside.
September in Cedarburg, WI, is a pivotal month for gardeners. By taking the time to prepare your garden now, you’ll ensure it remains healthy and beautiful through the fall and is ready to burst back to life in the spring. From planting and harvesting to lawn care and cleanup, these tips will help you make the most of your garden during this transitional season.
August is an ideal time to separate perennials like Hostas, Irises, and Daylilies in your Cedarburg garden. Carefully dig up the plants, ensuring you don’t damage the root ball. Use a small knife or spade to separate them and replant in different areas. Additionally, tackle those weeds! Perennial weeds can produce thousands of seeds that may hinder next season’s growth and are tough to eliminate.
Shrubs
Ever heard the phrase, “Killing with kindness”? Overwatering your shrubs can lead to root rot, while under-watering makes them drought-prone. Check for water stress regularly. If you haven’t replenished mulch this season, apply a 2-to-3-inch layer now, but don’t bury the crowns.
Since August tends to be warm in Cedarburg, it’s best to hold off on fertilizing shrubs until cooler months.
Trees
Just like shrubs, trees benefit from mulching. Apply a 2-to-3-inch layer around the base, tapering it away to avoid the “volcano effect” which can cause bark disease. Even with mulch, trees might need additional water. A slow but steady water flow from a hose placed about a foot from the trunk for 20-30 minutes can help.
Remember, wilted leaves don’t always mean a tree needs water. Temperature and humidity changes affect how leaves draw and release water.
Lawn
Noticed your lawn mower clogging up with grass clippings? Regular maintenance is crucial. Modern mowers often have hose attachments for easy cleaning. Connect the hose, turn it on, and let the water flush out clippings. For mowers without this feature, remove the mower deck or turn a push mower on its side to scrape off caked-on clippings.
Visit Heritage Hill Nursery, Inc.
Don’t miss out on these gardening tips and our special offers for August at Heritage Hill Nursery, Inc. Visit our Cedarburg garden center and start enhancing your outdoor oasis today!
As summer reaches its peak, it’s time to give your garden some extra care to ensure it thrives in the heat. Here are some essential tips for July:
Perennials
Deep watering once a week is crucial to help perennials cope with drought conditions. This practice encourages deep-rooted growth, which is vital for their survival during hot Cedarburg summers. Be sure to water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and maximize absorption. Mulching around your perennials can also help retain moisture and keep the soil cool.
Shrubs
Keep your shrubs healthy by treating any fungus with fungicide, but remember that Rust cannot be treated. Regular inspections will help you catch any issues early, especially in the humid Wisconsin climate. Pruning away affected areas can prevent the spread of diseases. Additionally, applying mulch around the base can help maintain soil moisture and reduce stress on the plants.
Trees
To prevent Rhizosphaera Needle cast in spruce trees, ensure good airflow and consider early fungicide treatment. In Cedarburg’s humid conditions, this proactive approach can save your trees from significant damage. Regularly thin out branches to improve air circulation. Watering at the base of the tree rather than from above can also help reduce the risk of fungal infections. If you’re mulching around the trees, remember to avoid volcano mulching—piling mulch against the trunk—as it can cause rot and invite pests; instead, spread mulch evenly to the tree’s drip line.
Lawns
When it comes to your lawn, consider your options: seeding is a cost-effective and low-maintenance choice, while sod provides immediate grass cover, albeit at a higher cost. Seeding in July can be challenging due to heat, so ensure the soil remains consistently moist. Sod, on the other hand, offers quick results but requires diligent watering to establish roots. Whichever method you choose, proper lawn care will keep your grass lush and green throughout the summer.
Additional Tips
Keep an eye out for pests and treat them promptly to prevent damage. Cedarburg’s summer heat can bring about various pests, so regular monitoring is essential.
Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds. This simple step can significantly improve soil health and plant resilience.
Prune any dead or diseased branches to promote healthy growth. Regular maintenance ensures that your plants stay strong and vibrant.
Consider planting heat-tolerant and drought-resistant varieties to reduce water usage and maintenance.
By following these tips, you’ll ensure your garden remains a beautiful and thriving space throughout the summer. Visit us at Heritage Hill Nursery for all your gardening needs and expert advice.
June is an excellent time to rejuvenate your perennial garden. Start by dividing and replanting perennials like Hostas and Daylilies, which can become overcrowded over time. This not only helps to promote healthier growth and more abundant blooms but also gives you the opportunity to spread your favorite plants to new areas of your garden. Be sure to water the newly divided plants well and mulch around them to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Adding compost to your perennial beds can significantly improve soil structure and fertility. Work the compost into the top few inches of soil around your plants, being careful not to disturb their roots. Compost provides a slow-release source of nutrients that will feed your perennials throughout the growing season, resulting in stronger, more vibrant plants. Regularly deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming and maintain the neat appearance of your garden.
Shrubs
For spring-flowering shrubs such as Lilacs and Forsythia, early June is the ideal time for pruning. Pruning right after the bloom cycle helps maintain their shape and encourages healthy new growth for the next season. Remove any dead or damaged branches to improve air circulation within the shrub, which can help prevent disease. Also, consider thinning out older branches to allow more sunlight to reach the interior parts of the plant.
Consistent watering is crucial, especially during dry periods. Mulching around the base of your shrubs helps conserve moisture and provides a barrier against weeds. Use organic mulch like wood chips or shredded bark, which will also decompose over time and enrich the soil. Regularly check your shrubs for signs of pests or diseases and treat them promptly to ensure your plants remain healthy and vigorous.
Trees
June is a crucial month for inspecting your trees for any signs of stress, damage, or disease. Look for broken or dead branches and prune them to prevent any potential hazards or the spread of disease. Ensuring that your trees are free from structural issues will help them withstand summer storms. Apply a layer of mulch around the base of your trees, but keep it a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot.
Watering your trees deeply and infrequently promotes deep root growth, which helps them withstand drought conditions. Fertilize with a slow-release formula to provide essential nutrients throughout the growing season. This is also a good time to check for any signs of pests, such as unusual leaf discoloration or holes, and address these issues promptly with appropriate treatments.
Lawns
Maintaining a healthy lawn in June requires a balance of proper mowing, watering, and care. Set your mower to a height of about 3 inches to ensure that your grass remains thick and resilient. Cutting your grass too short can stress the plants and promote weed growth. Sharpen your mower blades regularly to ensure clean cuts, which help reduce the risk of disease.
Water your lawn deeply but infrequently, aiming for about 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall. Early morning is the best time to water, as it reduces evaporation and allows the grass to dry before evening, minimizing the risk of fungal diseases. Aerating your lawn, especially in compacted areas, improves root growth and enhances the lawn’s ability to absorb water and nutrients. Regularly check for weeds and use a targeted herbicide to keep them under control.
