May

If you are fencing your vegetable garden to keep out rabbits and woodchucks, be sure to bury 6” of the wire to discourage tunneling.

It’s high time to plant the seeds of cold tolerant plants like Swiss chard, radish, and peas. Hold seeds of squash and melons and tender plants like peppers and tomatoes until all danger of frost has past.

May is a great month to seed a new lawn. Before seeding is completed, make sure irrigation is in place. Light frequent watering 2 -3 times a day may be needed until most of the seed has germinated, then water less frequently but for a longer period of time.


 

April

Many shade and ornamental trees may be pruned now, but avoid pruning “bleeders” like maple and birch until they are in full leaf.

Newspapers make an effective weed barrier. Spread them out 3 - 4 sheets thick before applying bark mulch to beds.

Stack hay bales to create a quick compost bin. When the hay decomposes it becomes part of the compost pile. Hay suppliers are apt to have cheap mulch hay at this time of year.

If you don’t know how deep a seed should be planted, the rule of thumb is to bury it three times its diameter. You can use that thumb to press the seeds into the soil.

As the blooms of tulips and daffodils pass, they should be removed. This will not only look better, it will prevent them from sapping energy that can otherwise use to nourish the bulb.

Considering some new shrubs? Blueberry bushes not only provide luscious berries for jelly and pies but make wonderful additions to the landscape. They have white spring flowers tinged with pink and fiery red autumn foliage.

Wood ashes may be used instead of lime to sweeten the soil in your garden or lawn. They also provide nutrients that encourage rooting.

Pour boiling water on your brick walkways to kill the weeds between the bricks.

Some mints are extremely invasive. If you want to add one to your herb garden, plant it pot and all to keep it in bounds.