Wisconsin Gardener’s Tips for May 2024

Seasonal Tips, Trees - Planting & Care

Perennials

Start this month by dividing overgrown perennials; this not only helps manage their size and shape but also invigorates the plants, encouraging more robust growth. After division, enrich the soil around both new and existing perennials by adding a healthy layer of compost.

This practice boosts soil fertility, improves drainage, and enhances the overall vitality of your garden. It’s an excellent way to ensure that your perennials continue to bloom abundantly and maintain health throughout the growing season.

Shrubs

May is the perfect time to prune your spring-flowering shrubs right after their blooms have faded. This not only helps to maintain an aesthetically pleasing shape but also promotes healthier, denser growth for the next season.

Additionally, it’s crucial to start a regular inspection routine for pests and diseases; early detection and treatment are key to preventing these issues from damaging your shrubs. Consider an integrated pest management approach that includes mechanical barriers, organic pesticides, and encouraging natural predators.

Trees

Tree care should focus on maintaining structural integrity and overall health. Begin with a thorough inspection, looking for any signs of damage or disease on branches, trunks, and leaves.

Prune away any damaged or diseased limbs to prevent potential hazards and encourage healthier growth. To support their continued growth and resilience, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer around the drip line of each tree. This gradual nourishment complements the natural spring growth spurt, ensuring trees remain robust and well-fed.

Lawn

With the active growth phase of grass in spring, regular mowing becomes essential. Ensure your mower blades are sharp to make clean cuts, which help prevent disease from entering the grass blades.

Set your mower to cut no more than a third of the grass blade height at a time to avoid stressing the grass. If your lawn shows signs of compaction, especially in high-traffic areas, aerating the soil can be highly beneficial. Aerating improves oxygen, water, and nutrient flow to the roots, which helps in developing a lush, healthy lawn.

Wisconsin Gardener’s Tips for April 2024

Seasonal Tips, Trees - Planting & Care

Perennials

As the remnants of winter fade and the earth reawakens, early-blooming perennials begin their journey through the last season’s mulch towards the sun’s nurturing warmth. Assist these pioneers by gently clearing the mulch aside, enabling their stems to reach the sunlight more easily.

Despite the hopeful signs of spring in Wisconsin, the threat of frost lingers; keep a supply of mulch ready to protect these tender plants if needed. Now is also the opportune time to divide and relocate perennials that have outgrown their spaces.

Clear away any weeds that have taken hold over the winter and refresh your garden beds with a layer of finely shredded mulch to encourage a healthy start to the season.

Shrubs

As the climate begins to soften, unveil your rose bushes, though remain vigilant and prepared to shield them again should an unexpected chill threaten.

Early spring offers a safe window for transplanting shrubs. Remove weeds to prevent competition for nutrients and moisture, and apply a generous 2-3 inch layer of shredded mulch around the base of your shrubs.

When mulching, ensure it tapers off near the stem to avoid moisture buildup that could lead to disease.

Now is also the perfect time for transplanting any shrubs before their new growth emerges fully.

Trees

An annual inspection of your trees can significantly contribute to their longevity and vitality.

Examine the base for signs of animal activity, which, if minimal, typically heals without issue. However, extensive damage to the bark may compromise the tree’s health. Prune any broken branches or those growing at odd angles to prevent future issues.

With the arrival of consistently warmer temperatures above 40 degrees, apply a dormant spray to crabapple trees to manage pests.

Remember to remove any winter protections, such as wraps or guards, to allow your trees to breathe and grow unencumbered.

Lawn

The April rains, while a boon for blooming flora, can also lead to waterlogging in your lawn, especially in areas where the ground has settled.

Extended saturation may harm the grass, creating unsightly bare patches. Should you notice persistent pooling, consider consulting with Heritage Hill for the installation of discreet underground drainage systems. These innovative solutions divert excess water away from your lawn, preserving its health and aesthetics.

This proactive approach ensures your lawn remains a lush, vibrant foundation for your garden’s beauty.

Embrace November: A Guide to Pre-Winter Garden Care

Seasonal Tips, Trees - Planting & Care

As the cool November breeze sweeps across your garden, the season beckons for a transition. It’s time to prepare your green sanctuary for the impending winter, ensuring a vibrant renaissance come spring.

Perennials

Collecting Seeds

November is prime time for seed enthusiasts. Gather seeds from perennials like coneflowers and black-eyed Susans, ensuring a bounty for the next season.

Drying and Storing Seeds

Once collected, allow your seeds to dry thoroughly before storing them in labeled envelopes, setting the stage for an organized spring planting.

Anticipating Spring Growth

Savor the anticipation of spring as you safeguard the essence of your garden. Seed saving is a rewarding step towards self-sufficiency, promising a colorful bloom with the first signs of spring.

Shrubs

Winter Covering Essentials

Shield your newly planted woody shrubs with breathable coverings like straw or leaves to ward off the winter chill, ensuring their survival through the frost.

Types of Coverings

Explore various covering options—straw, leaves, loose soil, or mulch, each offering a different level of protection, ensuring your shrubs remain robust, ready to flaunt their foliage post-winter.

Post-Winter Spectacle

The effort invested now will pay off as your garden bursts into a spectacle of colors and foliage, showcasing the resilience and beauty of nature.

Trees

Wrapping Young Trees

Winter burn is a menace to young trees. Wrapping them deflects harsh sunlight and protects them from critters, ensuring they thrive through the cold months.

Long-Term Investment

Trees are a testament to the garden’s legacy. Ensuring their survival during juvenile years is pivotal for a mature, healthy garden in the future.

Damage Check and Prevention

Regular checks for girdling and other damages are crucial. Prevention now will ensure a legacy of green, standing tall in your garden for years to come.

Lawn and Equipment

Transitioning Focus

With your lawn prepped, it’s time to show some love to your gardening tools. November is ideal for cleaning and maintenance, promising a smooth transition into spring.

Prepping for Spring

Scrape off dried grass, sharpen those blades, and ensure your equipment is in top-notch condition. Your future self will thank you as spring gardening becomes a breeze with well-maintained tools.

As you wrap your garden in a warm winter blanket, you’re not just bidding adieu to the lush greenery of summer. You’re setting the stage for a glorious garden renaissance. As winter’s white mantle gives way, your garden will burst into a vibrant palette, echoing the meticulous care and preparation invested during November.

We Can Help!

As you embark on this November garden journey, remember, you’re not alone. The transition to winter can bring about a host of questions and perhaps some uncertainties. At Heritage Hill, we share your passion for nurturing gardens and are here to assist. Should you have any questions or need advice on winter garden prep, don’t hesitate to reach out. Call Heritage Hill, and let’s ensure your garden not only survives the winter but thrives into a magnificent spring spectacle. Your lush, vibrant garden come spring will be a testament to your November efforts.