Northeast Ohio Gardener’s Spring Checklist

Pruning | Early spring is a great time to prune most trees and shrubs for size, shape, and to remove any dead, diseased, or damaged growth. Also remove any water sprouts, suckering growth, and crossing branches.

• Prune grafted roses, mophead & oakleaf hydrangeas, and clematis down to the uppermost bud that develops.
• Wait to prune spring-flowering trees and shrubs such as azaleas, rhododendrons, lilacs, and forsythia until after finish blooming.

Fertilizing | Fertilize spring-flowering trees and shrubs with Espoma Organic® Plant-tone or Holly-tone to help give their blooms a boost.

Pruning | Cut back any remaining perennial stalks, including ornamental grasses, down to 3-6 inches tall.

Fertilizing | Fertilize perennials as they begin to emerge with Espoma Organic® Plant-tone, per package instructions.

Planting | Begin planting spring ephemeral perennials like Lenten rose, English daisies, and candytuft when the soil is workable and no longer soggy. Protect tender foliage and flowering in the event of a heavy frost or freeze.

• Start seeds indoors with sterile containers, moistened seed starting soil, and a warm, sunny spot.
• Start amending soil in vegetable garden beds and containers. Soil in garden beds should be workable 10-12 inches deep. Add 2-3 inches of compost or other organic matter each spring to help achieve better drainage and workability.
• Allow amended garden soil to settle for at least two weeks before planting.