Roses still need pruning? No problem, better to prune now, even though new growth has started, than to not prune at all. Prune out the dead and damaged stems. Where stems cross choose the healthiest one and prune out the other. For a nice shape make cuts just above growth that is facing outward (away from the center of the bush). Contact Mary when you would like to learn how to prune your roses or if you’d like Mary to prune for you. 707.545.6863

To avoid damage to new growth avoid spraying your roses while the growth is young. If you still need to spray wait until the new growth has hardened off.

When you first see aphids on your rose bushes or other plants you can use a strong spray of water to knock the aphids off. Repeat the water treatment for several days and you will see a big reduction in the population without needing to use a pesticide.

Annual weeds are popping up everywhere. Get ahead of them by pulling them now before they go to seed. Remember, “one year of seeds/seven years of weeds.”

Sweet pea transplants can still be planted this month for lots of amazing blooms in April and May! Protect the little plants from snails, slugs, sowbugs and earwigs.

If you would like to use less spray for plant diseases, consider purchasing roses or fruit trees that are “disease resistant” varieties.

To encourage more blooms, continue to remove the spent flowers (with their stems) from cool season annuals, such as Iceland poppies and pansies.

Cool season annual plants will appreciate some liquid fertilizer once a month. Mary uses Maxsea all purpose plant food for pansies, poppies, Bellis perennis and other winter annuals. You can also fertilize bulbs as soon as you see the new growth coming up (this is especially helpful to bulbs in containers).

Hydrangeas and Buddleja (butterfly bush) can be pruned this month. When you would like to learn more about what to prune and how to prune, contact Mary.

If you did not get time to add compost to your veggie garden last fall go ahead and dig some in now (as long as your soil is workable-moist but not soggy) to prepare the soil for your spring veggie planting.

Glazed pottery can crack and chip in freezing weather. Remember to protect your glazed containers and art when temperatures drop.

Once Camellia blooms turn brown remove them and keep the area under and around the plant clear of fallen blossoms too in order to keep your Camellia from becoming infected with petal blight