Spring Landscape Checkup

Doing A Spring Landscape Check-Up

After the winter, your landscape needs a check-up to make sure it grows well during spring and summer. You want to head off problems like diseases and pests. Here are some suggestions to make your landscape thrive.

Do An Irrigation Audit

As you switch your irrigation to its spring settings, take advantage of the opportunity to do an irrigation audit. Make sure all the sprinkler heads will pop up and replace broken ones. Check to see that you are watering plants, not pavement. Check the wiring and controller for winter damage and repair as necessary.

Install A Rain Sensor

Spring typically brings rains to the landscape. Irrigating during a rainstorm wastes water and is expensive. Install a rain sensor that will keep the irrigation turned off if it is raining. The savings you achieve will quickly pay for the rain sensor.

Adjust Irrigation Timer

Adjust your irrigation timer to water between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m. Your plants will have time to dry by nightfall, which will reduce disease problems. If your irrigation system is a few years old, now is a great time to install a smart controller you can adjust from your smart phone. You can control your irrigation system without having to mess with valve boxes and old timers.

Clean Up Perennial Beds

When the temperature reaches 50 degrees in your area, remove spent vegetation and leaves from your perennial beds. Some beneficial insects overwinter in stems and leaf litter, so waiting until it warms up gives them time to come out of dormancy and protect your plants from pests. Removing the cover after the temperature warms will make the landscape beds look better.

Spread Compost

Compost your plants and leaves that are disease free. Spreading an inch of compost in your landscape beds will give them a slow-release source of nitrogen. Put it over the existing mulch, then put new mulch over it. You can even put an inch of compost on your lawn. Use a leaf rake to rake the compost through the grass so it falls to the earth.

Refresh Garden Borders

While you are working in your landscape beds, make sure any edging is where it belongs and is in good shape. Cut the sod back and edge it so the borders of the beds are sharp. This makes the landscape beds look much neater.

Divide And Transplant Fall Blooming Perennials

While fall blooming perennials are just peeking out of the ground, dig them up and divide them. The fresh vegetation makes the plants easy to find but isn’t as difficult to manage as it will be later in the season. Be very gentle when handling the plants so you do not damage the young vegetation. It is very tender at this stage.

Fertilize If Needed

Most plants benefit from a fertilizer that is at least 50% slow release. This burst of nutrients helps plants grow the balance of the year. If you have had a soil test in the last two to three years, follow those recommendations. If not, now is a good time to get one.  In the absence of a soil test, use a fertilizer and follow the directions. It is worth getting a new bag of fertilizer, so it is fresh and potent. Last year’s fertilizer may have gone sour or even ruined over the winter.

Plant Cool Season Annuals

This is a great time to plant cold-season annuals. Pansies and other cool-season annuals will add some color to your landscape while the perennials are putting on foliage.

Pre-emergent Weed Killer

Spring is a great time to apply pre-emergent weed killer to your landscape beds. Wait until the temperature is reliably over 55 degrees to do so, but don’t wait too long, Once the weeds have broken through the surface of the soil, pre-emergent won’t control them.

Mulch

As a final step to make your landscape beds look sharp, add mulch. Go for a three-inch layer of mulch over the bare earth. Most mulches decompose an inch a year, so add an inch of mulch to existing mulch. Make sure you keep the mulch from touching the plant stems or the moisture will cause rot. Keep the mulch three inches away from trees and shrubs and one inch away from other plants.

Prune Most Shrubs and Trees

Most shrubs and trees should be pruned when dormant. Prune them when perennials are starting to emerge but before leaves and buds open on the trees. Remove broken and diseased limbs, any limbs that cross another limb, and prune for shape if needed. Mature trees and shrubs should be pruned lightly. Never remove more than 1/3rd of the plant when pruning.

Remove Winter Protection

Young trees, especially fruit trees like peaches and plums, are vulnerable to sunscald in the winter. Their trunks are usually wrapped to prevent the problem. Now is the time to remove the wrap so the trees can grow. Leaving it on will eventually girdle and kill the tree.

Remove Stakes Around Trees

If you staked any trees you planted in the fall, you should remove the stakes now. The areas where the anchors are around the tree will chafe and rub a bad spot on the bark. In extreme cases, they can girdle and kill your tree. Research has shown that most trees can stand without stakes at this point.

Evaluate The Landscape

As trees, shrubs, and perennials begin growing, check each plant to make sure it has come through the winter. Give trees and shrubs a summer’s grace if they are not leafing out. If there is still no new vegetation in the fall, remove and replace them. Perennials should be leafing out and show new growth.

Replace Winter Killed Plants

If you identified any plants last fall that did not make it through the summer, they should be replaced now. Any perennials that are not growing new foliage and appear dead can be replaced, too. Spring is an excellent time to plant the replacement plants. You can also remove and replace any plants that you dislike. Sometimes, a plant doesn’t look the way we thought it would and disappoints us. Don’t be afraid to remove it.

Plant Native Plants

When replacing plants in your landscape, use plants native to your area. They need less supplemental water because they are adapted to the area’s rainfall. Most are resistant to local pests and diseases. We carry many plants native to North America, like butterfly weed, purple coneflower, and cardinal flower. Our staff can help you find a native plant for any space in your landscape. Native plants also attract more pollinators, birds, and other wildlife than nonnative ornamental plants.

Get Your Plants Here

Now is a great time to order your new plants from TN Nursery. We ship in the spring so you can plant your bare root plants immediately. Give us a call at 931.692.7325 to order.

 

Peach Fruit Tree - TN Nursery

Peach Fruit Tree 3-4'

Peach Fruit Tree: Prunus Persica Peach fruit trees have many benefits. Homeowners can control what they eat when they grow them themselves, which is a catalyst for obtaining good health. Zones and Chill Hours of Peach Trees Ours have had the 600-900 chill hours needed for high success of fruiting varieties. They are hardy in zones five through eight and will yield fruitful, and you can especially expect these to flourish in zones six and seven. Yield and Longevity of Peach Trees  With a little planning, space, and maintenance, growing them is one of the most fruitful and rewarding returns on your garden. Depending on the variety, fresh organic produce is available within a few short years of planting. Within the average lifespan of 30 years, yours will yield fresh organic produce for a fraction of supermarket prices, averaging about 66 pounds per crop. Growing Them At Home Allows You to Keep Them 100% Organic  In addition, you save yourself the trip to the store, which is also good for the environment. Environment Planting yours means that you are in command of the treatments and can guard yours in the most organic ways available. This means fewer chemicals are in the environment and on yours. They are Environmentally Sustainable and Economically Friendly  On a greater and more far-reaching scale, growing locally reduces shipping and carbon dioxide emissions. A single acre of them will provide enough oxygen for 18 people. Landscaping By opting to plant yours or otherwise, you are increasing oxygen, and if you place yours strategically, they can serve as protection for shade-seeking types. They are Self-Pollinating at TN Nursery Most peach trees are self-pollinating and, with the lovely blooms that precede harvest, are an attractive addition to any landscaping platform. For those considering a variety, it is important to consult your almanac or nursery to determine the best varieties available for your planting conditions. Once you have determined the type you want on your property, you are that much closer to establishing a long-term source of fresh, organic produce for your whole family.

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Plum Fruit Tree - TN Nursery

Plum Fruit Tree

Plum Fruit Tree: Prunus Domestica Plum fruit trees produce smooth-skinned, juicy produce with various colors, including red, purple, and yellow, typically surrounded by oval-shaped leaves. They are versatile and attractive types with numerous benefits when incorporated into landscaping designs. With its ornamental features and adaptability, it can enhance the visual appeal of outdoor spaces. Also known as Prunus domestica, and they will give you plenty of them after the first three to six years. When one of these deciduous plants is first planted, they'll appear shrub-like.  The Flowers Of The Plum Fruit Tree  Although most people plant one of these to receive free produce, there is much more for you to enjoy. For instance, they flower during the springtime. Each cluster of primarily white flowers also contains light green and little yellow balls that attract pollinators. Interestingly, the flowers will appear before the foliage arrives. As clusters, several clumps of flowers will be mashed together to create visual appeal. Shortly after the flowers make their appearance, you'll begin to notice immature leaves. These leaves grow in little clusters, and their bright, vivid green coloring will transition into a slightly softer green as they age. Each leaf starts larger at the base before tapering into almost a point. They have ridged edgings, along with some natural variations in tone. The Fruits Of Plum Fruit Trees Once the flower clusters die away, they'll be replaced by tons of produce. These are spherical or oval in shape, and they grow up to three inches wide. It goes through a massive color change to help designate whether it's ripe. When it's green-toned, it is not ripe yet. In this state, they can almost blend in with their surrounding leaves. Eventually, though, they'll change into a purple or reddish color. Not only will their new coloring make them pop, but it's also an indicator of ripeness. Different Varieties Of Plum Fruit Trees There are two major categories of them: Santa Rosa and Methley. Within these categories are found subcategories, and the specific type you plant will determine their exact coloring. Regardless of which type you plant, you can look forward to tons of produce. They will pay for themselves over time and are quite attractive to boot! Do they grow in America Yes, they are grown throughout America, and there are different types for different zones. They are grown for commerce and local consumption in yard and garden plantings, primarily in California and Michigan.  Where do they grow best?  They bear best in slightly alkaline soil which should be well drained with good exposure to sunlight. These prefer areas with moderately cold winters and relatively higher temperatures during summer, a condition prevailing in temperate climates.  What is special about them?  They are particularly valued for the use of both produce and ornamental importance when in blossom during spring.  Where are they grown in the USA?  Commercial types are mostly grown in the US, especially in California, because of its mild climate. The other big states are Michigan, Oregon and Washington. What is the best climate for them? Outside of these parameters, plum fruit trees prefer moderate winters and warm summers to get the right climate for growth. These depend on the chilling hours to set produce, hence suitable for regions with relatively moderate cold winters.

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Purple Coneflower - TN Nursery

Purple Coneflower

Purple Coneflower - Echinacea  Purple coneflowers are a favorite in the garden for their beauty, ease of maintenance, and hardiness. They’re perfect for those who enjoy an attractive, pollinator-friendly perennial.  Purple Coneflower Soil Recommendations These plants prefer rich soil and full sun but will also tolerate some shade. Planting these long-living perennials is simple: you make a hole rather than bury the root ball in the soil and water it. Once established, they do not require much maintenance or attention, not even watering when it’s still dry. They are drought-tolerant and pest-resistant and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. Seasonal Beauty and Blooming Cycle of The Purple Coneflower They are known to bloom throughout the summer and late fall. The purple-pink petals of each bloom cluster around a coppery-orange cone. Winter dries up the flowers, and decorative seed heads appear in winter to attract birds. The bloom season lasts many weeks after summer arrives. Even into late fall, birds and monarchs feast off these plants.  Shape and Longevity Of This Stunning Perennail  Purple Coneflowers are tall, graceful plants growing two to four feet tall. They are striking because of their daisy flowers and their somber green leaves. The perennials are perennial and can endure for decades when cared for appropriately, thus offering an excellent, stable, and durable option for any garden.

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Lobelia Cardinalis - TN Nursery

Red Cardinal Lobelia

Cardinal Flower - Lobelia cardinalis The Cardinal Flower plant is striking in any garden and produces bright red flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Their long, graceful spikes of flowers bring color to wetlands, shade spots, and garden borders. Planting and Maintenance of Cardinal Flower The plants are super easy to plant and maintain, so they can be used by any gardener regardless of their experience. They prefer to grow in sluggish, fertile soil and are best grown in shade rather than sun. Sow by loosening the soil, placing the roots, covering them with soil, and watering deeply. They are low-maintenance and require moisture for growth and regular deadheading to maintain long blooming. Colorful Characteristics These perennials usually flower during mid-to-late summer, and their ruby-red blooms last for weeks. The plant is dark green with dark green leaves, and its spikes stand out. Once the flowers open, they shrivel up and emerge in pods as a second season of interest. The foliage remains green throughout the season, so the plant does not look overgrown. The plants are perennials growing upright, and their flower heads reach heights of 2 to 4 feet. Their graceful and tall stature makes them ideal for adding texture to garden beds or naturalized areas. Given time, they will bloom year after year to bring enduring beauty to your garden.  Pollinator Magnet Plants  The Red Lobelia, Cardinal Flower, is a plant that various pollinators flock to in its active blooming season. It's slender, tall, and majestic size makes it a favorite for especially rock gardens.TN Nursery has them mature and blooming age ready to ship out to you.  

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