Fertilize your plants in the early spring of late fall. Do not fertilize in early fall (September) as this will stimulate new growth on your shrubs which may not harden off before the onset of winter. Use Holly-tone, an acidic fertilizer, on most evergreens. Use Plant-tone, an alkaline fertilizer, on most deciduous or herbaceous plants. If your plant has yellow leaves use a liquid fertilizer with iron so it will be absorbed more quickly.
PRUNING
The best time to prune is usually immediately after flowering or after the new spring growth has hardened off. Severe pruning should take place before the plant breaks dormancy in the spring. Be aware that you may remove some of the flower buds.
MULCH
Mulches are applied to conserve, moisture, reduce weeds, prevent erosion and keep soil friable, loose and cool. In the winter mulch helps prevent winter injury to the roots by conserving moisture and by keeping the soil warmer, preventing alternate freezing and thawing. The gardeners have to be asked not to remove it with their blowers.
ANTIDESCENDENTS
On broadleaf evergreens and antidescecant, such as Wilt-proof, can be applied to foliage after December 1st when temperatures are above 40 degrees.
CLEANNESS
It is important to remove dead leaves in the fall especially from a perennial garden. They harbor fungal problems and smother the plants.
The best means of soaking the roots of your plants, which is the goal of watering both newly planted and established plants, is to use a soaker hose, drip irrigation or a very slowly running hose placed at the base of the plant. Do not hold the hose, no one has the patience to water for the period needed. Your sprinkler system and rainfall are not dependable sources of water.
