Johnsons's Garden Centers Text File document - copyright 2002
PDF file available at http://www.johnsonsgarden.com/newsletter/gardentips.html

Garden Tips 
March 2001
Marty Johnson, President, Johnson's Garden Centers, KS. Certified Nurseryman

TREE & SHRUB CARE
    Early April is the time to start treating for Cedar Apple Rust. This
disease transfers back and forth from cedars to crabapples and hawthorns
and causes those nasty looking bright orange, jelly-like balls that
appear on cedar trees during rainy weather.

    The only way to get rid of this year's galls is to physically remove
them from the cedar tree. But to prevent infection next year, start
spraying susceptible crabapples and hawthorns this year when their
flower buds first show color. Spray again when 75% of the petals have
fallen, and again 10 days later.

    We recommend ferti-lome Liquid Fungicide or Hi-Yield Consan 20. For
better leaf coverage, use ferti-lome Spreader Sticker when spraying.

SUCKERS
    Suckers are the weak, fast growing sprouts commonly found on
crabapples, maples, plums and other trees. Pruning alone only makes the
problem worse, as more sprouts grow back. The solution is to prune
first, let the suckers start to grow, then spray them with Sucker
Stopper. This ready-to-use product is designed to be applied directly on
the shoot and keep them from regrowing.

PREVENT GARDEN WEEDS
    Use Weed and Grass Stopper containing Treflan to keep gardens and
beds weed free. After clearing out existing weeds sprinkle Weed and
Grass Stopper granules like salt over the ground. This keeps new weed
seeds from sprouting all season. You can use these granules around
most plants, but always read the label for specific instructions.
    
FERTILIZING
    Use ferti-lome Tree & Shrub Food now on all types of trees and
shrubs including evergreens. Just apply it on the soil under the plant
and just beyond the drip line and then water it in!

    Feed all established perennials that are starting to grow with
ferti-lome Geranium, Hanging Basket & Pansy Food (20-20-20).

PRUNING
    Early spring is a good time to prune most trees and shrubs. Prune
spring flowering shrubs such as forsythia, white spirea, lilacs, or
quince only after they bloom. Otherwise, you'll prune away the flowers
for this year. For best results, use pruners with a good, sharp blade.
The best time to prune pines, firs or spruce is after new growth begins.
Pruning coupled with fertilizing helps plants flush out and fill in
better.

ROSE PRUNING & CARE
    In early April, remove dead and weak canes, pruning back to four or
five strong, healthy canes. Trim these back to 6" from the graft of the
rose. Cut at a 45 degrees angle about 1/4" above the closest bud.

    Climbing roses should be pruned only after they bloom in the spring.
Earlier pruning will remove this year's blossoms.

    Early April is also the time to remove winter mulch around your
roses and start monthly feedings with ferti-lome  Rose Food with
Systemic Insecticide for healthy, insect-free plants. Between these
feedings use the water soluble ferti-lome Geranium, Hanging Basket &
Pansy Food for spectacular flowers.