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Spring of course is that them when us gardeners are busting at
the seams to get out and get DIRTY! For those just getting started with
the grass and hosta craze, here are some early spring pointers.
Hostas
-
Clear away dead debris. If the petitoles are starting
to emerge, take care not to pull and an extreme angle and cut or damage the
emerging leaf bundle.
- You can amend the soil with some general purpose fertilizer
now and then a second dose in mid summer. If you have the slow release
kind, then your done for feeding for the complete year.
- Divide the hostas now that you want to propagate.
This is the best time. You can do in later in the year also. Now
there will be no changes to damage the leafs. Additionally, the leaves
will grow in proportion to the remaining roots. Hostas divided later
in the season will have to be watered pampered to alleviate excessive
drooping until the roots get established again.
- Move the hostas (i.e. complete clump) that need some more
elbow room or are in areas that tax their health. For example, too
much sun, just under the house drip line making them too dry, in the dog's favorite
path.
Grasses
-
Trim back last year's growth BEFORE they break
dormancy!! It just makes life that much easier. What can you
use? Electric hedge trimmers, manual clippers, field and brush mowers,
grass trimmers with extra heavy line or blades. For zone 5 folks, this
would be before the end of March (or earlier if it is an excessively warm
spring). Just keep a watch on the plants for spring awakening.
By the way, did you not enjoy that vertical height in your garden during the
winter months?
- Pull back and remove any mulching material, leaves, and
debris from around the grass clump. You want to make sure that the
clump can dry out to prevent rotting if the spring is cold and wet.
- Amend the soil with some general purpose fertilizer.
xPull any weeds that may have tried to make a stronghold
within the clump during last years growth.
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