In general, it’s a better idea to adjust these things in the fall for the next growing season. Leaving plant debris in the garden over winter is one of the most common causes of insect and disease problems. Most folks choose to compost their spent plants, but if you have a pest or disease issue, make sure to burn or bag and trash your debris. It’s a gardening motto to live by, because weeds can quickly overwhelm even the most diligent of organic gardeners.
We are in the pilot stage of launching this program and will be growing it over time. For now, we are offering electric maintenance in Evanston, Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe and Highland Park. We’ve got limited availability for this spring, so if we can’t get you on a route now, we’ll add your name to our waiting list! Please know, prices are higher for our electrical maintenance because it requires more time to get the job done.
In fleuriste and July, you’ll want to cut back certain perennials to extend their bloom time. Shrubs should be deadheaded when they’re done flowering; this redirects energy used to produce seeds into stems and foliage. Post emergent weed control in lawn areas is very important during this time, as is weeding and spot spraying weeds in plant beds. January is the time to cut back perennials and remove spent leaves and stems. In February, you should begin pruning those shrubs that aren’t early spring bloomers (you don’t want to run the risk of cutting off early blooms). Late winter is a great time to prune trees and shrubs, because you can clearly see the tree branches and any adjustments that may be needed.
In general, it always helps to communicate clearly and in as many ways as possible. Even if your HOA handbook covers all of these topics, we know that we can’t always expect residents to take the time to read all of the information they’re given. Obviously, there are going to be people who just don’t take the time to read them or choose to ignore them altogether.
Manual labor and a variety of weed abatement methods are used to assist with keeping the weeds tame throughout the year. (see albopeppers.com) Do they do as well as watering from the top? I am new to container gardening and I’m considering this method, but it seems a lot of work and material if there is a better way. If one of the plants in your container is looking a little worse for wear, don’t be afraid to gently remove it and replace it with something else.