One more month of heat to go before things start cooling off! Luckily, August brings a lighter workload with a focus on continuing basic upkeep and spraying your favorite plants regularly to protect them until the feeding frenzy ends. Once the night temperatures begin to drop later in September many pests will return to the ground and your battle against pests will diminish.
EARLY AUGUST
Keep garden weeds from going to seed.
Continue to monitor aphids as they will show up all season long. Combat with a strong blast of water or insecticidal soap.
Continue controlling cucumber beetles that spread bacterial wilt with weekly dusts of insecticides.
Avoid pruning trees and shrubs because the new growth may not harden off in time for winter.
Enjoy harvesting your fruit and vegetables regularly to avoid attracting more pests with overripe fruit.
MID AUGUST
Disbud dahlias for extra-large flowers.
Prune out old raspberry canes to prepare for next year and avoid disease. Leave 3-4 canes per foot of row.
Divide Iris and check for rhizome rots. Destroy all infected plants.
Continue watering flower beds once a week in dry periods.
Harvest early apples.
Dig early potatoes as vines die down.
LATE AUGUST
Continue to maintain spray program on fruit trees.
Harvest pears as they become light green.
Divide spring flowering perennials.
Now is a great time to seed or sod new lawns or repair damaged areas in existing lawns.
Continue deadheading to prepare for a final late-season flower display.
Have questions? Not sure which insecticide to use? Call or stop by Vande Hey Company today and we can give suggestions, recommend products, and walk with you as you continue striving towards your backyard dream oasis. Call 920.788.6344 today!
Let’s take a moment to thank our hardworking honeybees (Apis mellifera) and their dedication to pollinating our flowers!
Bees are often considered the most important pollinators, with honeybees accounting for 84% of all insect pollination. These flying golden beauties are particularly good pollinators due to pollen-collecting structures on their bodies: the scopa (or pollen basket) which holds pollen balls on their hind legs; the corbicula, a fuzzy mat of hair that gathers pollen when traveling from flower to flower; and the crop (or honey stomach) which holds nectar as they travel from flower to flower.
Bee species also display floral constancy, staying within the same type of flower to collect pollen. This is important in orchards, where many farmers rely on bees to pollinate their fruit trees and vegetables’ flowers.
If you are looking to promote our favorite pollinators, consider the most attractive flower traits in the eyes of a honeybee. Of all colors, honeybees can see shades of yellows and violets the best, making yellow and blue-purple flowers a great addition to any pollinator garden. Like us, honeybees enjoy fresh, mild, and pleasant floral aromas, and flowers with plenty of nectar. Purple bee balm, coneflower, and New England asters are common honeybee favorites.
Pollinator decline is a major concern for all species of insects, bats, and birds which pollinate our flowers. The causes of Colony Collapse Disorder in honeybees is a combination of pests and pathogens introduced to the hive, poor nutrition, pesticide use, and habitat fragmentation. The best way that homeowners and businesses can help honeybee populations is to plant more flowers and reduce pesticide use on your property.
Luckily, the Vande Hey Company has plenty of perennials, annuals, and even flowering trees that your local honeybees will adore!
Things are heating up and summer is moving full force ahead. Along with the heat, keeping things hydrated and battling disease will be our biggest challenge. Don’t forget to keep yourself hydrated as well as you move forward with your July Landscape Management 101!
EARLY JULY
Stop harvesting asparagus and rhubarb.
Don’t neglect vegetable garden; continue weed control and watch leaves for signs of disease.
Water flower border once a week during dry periods.
Spray or dust tomatoes for blight control.
Spray or dust squashes, melons, and cucumbers to prevent bacterial wilt.
Deadhead annuals and perennials after flowering to encourage the plant to spend its energy producing more flowers or foliage and roots.
Fertilize flowering annuals to give an extra boost of energy.
MID JULY
Prune Yews, Junipers, and Arborvitae by mid-July.
Watch for rust on hollyhocks.
Renovate old strawberry plantings when bearing is finished.
Pick off dead flowers for attractive borders and blooms.
Keep an eye out for webs from webworm on woody plants. Cut out branches wrapped in webbing and spray with insecticide.
Keep plants, especially vegetables, evenly moist to promote good health as it gets warmer.
Harvest raspberries regularly to help discourage insects.
LATE JULY
Stop feeding roses and most perennials.
Tie Dahlias to stakes.
Keep lawn mown at 2 1/2” height.
Make last granular fertilizer applications on woody plants.
Alpine Currant shrubs infected with fungus will lose leaves and may defoliate completely. Fallen leaves should be removed and destroyed to reduce infection next year.
Watch for powdery mildew and leaf spot diseases on flowers and ornamentals.
Honeysuckles susceptible to aphids should be sprayed every 10-14 days with insecticidal soap.
As always, let us know if you have questions! We can give suggestions, recommend product, and help you create the beautiful backyard you’re striving toward. Call 920.788.6344 today!
When buying an outdoor dining furniture set there is an absolute smorgasbord of styles, sizes, and add-ons that can leave an anyone’s head spinning. We created this “Almost” Complete Buying Guide to help break down some of the must-ask questions and different options to help you make best choice for your outdoor furniture.
First things first, you are going to want to think about the following questions:
How many people will typically be utilizing the set?
How big is the outdoor space?
How often do you entertain?
Who will be using the furniture (children, adults, elderly)?
Decide on a set size. Once you decide how many people will typically be using the set you can decide how large of a set you will need. Whether it is a cozy two piece for you and your partner, a nine piece for a large family or anything in between, as long as it fits on your patio we can help you make it happen. Shape is also an important factor. A square or rectangular table will provide a more modern straight-lined look while a circular table is more free-flowing and rustic. You should also consider that a circular table makes it easier to add extra chairs.
Choose your height. Dining height, counter height and bar height all provide unique benefits and visual appeal.
Dining height can be dressed up for formal dinners or dressed down for casual nights outside. It is easier to get in and out of than a much taller bar height and is comfortable for extended periods of sitting.
Counter height is the middle option providing some added height if people are standing around and looking for a place to put their drink. It is also the easiest to get in and out of because it does not require sitting down into or stepping up into.
Bar height provides a more casual look that is perfect for leaning up against and standing around. While it creates a higher viewing platform, it can be difficult for children and elderly to climb up into.
Choose a seating option. While standard dining chairs are great, you will also want to consider adding arms and maybe even a swivel. Arms not only add comfort but also make it easier to get in and out of the chair. A swivel chair allows both a change of view and the ability to get in and out without moving the chair. The swivel chairs are particularly beneficial if you choose a polyethylene set due to heavy weight of the chairs. Other options include stools that create a bar-like feel with a higher table height or benches which are a great way to increase seating space especially with small kids.
Choose your materials and color. Our most popular dining sets are made from HDPE recycled plastic which provides numerous benefits. It is very heavy preventing it from blowing in the wind, it can be left outside all year long, and it is colored all the way through minimizing scratching and fading. Other people prefer teak which gives a more natural feel. Teak is a very durable and strong wood that naturally regulates its temperature. Our third most popular set is rattan which is not only lightweight but also creates a beach-like feel. Choose your colors and you are a full step closer to finalizing your new dining set! If you are not sure how to choose your colors, ask us and we would be happy to find the perfect color to fit your style!
Do I want an umbrella? Whether it is a large umbrella extending over the patio or a standard umbrella in your table, an umbrella provides a cool area on hot days and protection when it rains. An umbrella is also a great way to bring in some bright accent colors and make your set pop!
Should I add a rug? While it may not be the best fit practically around a pool or muddy area, a rug can bring in a splash of color and comfort. It is also a great way to cozy up an outdoor area. If you decide to go with a rug, you want to make sure it is at least two feet longer than your table, so the entire set remains on the rug.
Add your finishing touches. To take your patio set to the next level, consider adding outdoor cushions for comfort and style, a centerpiece with fresh cut flowers, a table cloth, a fire feature, and maybe some stylish napkins or dining pieces. Little details make big statements and take your dining set to the next level.
You might be wondering why this guide is “not complete.” While we have provided a ton of information, it is not complete because it is missing one important thing—you. It is missing your opinion, your style, and your color preferences. Ultimately, you are the decision-maker and we are just here to help you along! Learn more about the furniture we offer here or stop by and talk to a Vande Hey Company representative.
A whole month dedicated to a plant? You better believe it! Roses hold a special place in the hearts and minds of people everywhere. Their striking beauty and lovely fragrance not only elevate your garden but also have come to symbolize love, war, history, shows like The Bachelor, and even movies such as Beauty and the Beast. While some view roses as difficult, we are here to tell you that roses, just like relationships, just need just a little extra love and effort. Here are our tips for bringing the elegance of roses and all they stand for into your backyard.
FROM THE BEGINNING
Planning ahead will not only impact the success of your roses but also help you highlight their beauty. When choosing where your roses will be placed, you want to look for a location with at least 6 hours of sun and good drainage. Planting next to a South or West facing fence or wall will help minimize the damage of our harsh Wisconsin winters. You also want to plan how your roses will be used whether it is as focal points, border shrubs, climbing vines, etc. Determining the use will help you choose the variety in addition to looking for disease-resistant and locally-hardy varieties.
When planting roses, mixing in leaf compost and adding root stimulator will help the plant get established and also create more even soil conditions which will lead to greater health and longevity.
GENERAL CARE
Roses do their best when the soil moisture is uniform so regular watering on hot and humid days can make a big difference. When watering it is best to water in the morning at ground level or use soaker hoses. Wet leaves, especially at night, are much more prone to diseases such as powdery mildew and black spot.
Hard pruning is best done in early spring (March/April). In addition to removing dead and damaged canes, we recommend cutting back 1/3 to 1/2 of the previous year’s growth until you find a healthy white center inside the cane. We also recommend light pruning throughout the season to keep your roses looking pristine!
Deadheading roses will encourage reblooming if your varieties do not develop rose hips. Leaving as much foliage on the canes as you can, cut back just below the first leaflet to encourage the foliage to continue drawing up nutrients all the way to the top.
There are multiple options for fertilizing roses, so we encourage you to stop by and ask us about your options. Whether it is a slow-release granular product or a liquid fertilizer, your roses are working hard to look beautiful and need the extra boost! You can fertilize throughout the growing season, but we recommend you stop feeding late in the summer to allow growth to slow and enter the dormant stage before winter.
BATTLING DISEASE AND INSECTS
Powdery Mildew will cause leaves to curl and twist leaving white powdery spots on the leaves. This is best prevented by proper watering as described in the general care as well as pruning to allow for air circulation.
Black Spot will leave circular black or brown spots on the tops of the leaves, starting at the bottom and working their way up. Eventually it will cause defoliation but is best prevented the same way as powdery mildew. Some basic rose care products can also take care of black spot and powdery mildew.
Insects including aphids, Japanese beetles, spider mites, and sawflies are best controlled with basic rose care products such as neem oil or insecticidal soaps. Aphids can also sometimes be handled by blasting with water in the morning.
DISPLAYING
Roses can be the highlight of your garden, but also the highlight on your or your loved one’s counter. Roses cut for display are best cut right when the petals are opening using a sharp blade to ensure a clean cut and undamaged water channels. The best time is when they are well hydrated in the early morning or evening hours. To eliminate air bubbles and encourage water uptake, you should recut the stems at a 45-degree-angle just before putting them into the vase. Strip the leaves below the water line, add other flowers like baby’s breath if desired, and change water frequently to create a gorgeous and long-lasting display!
After all of this information you can probably see why roses need a whole month to be highlighted and celebrated! Show some extra love to your roses this month and they will continue to spread the love and beauty they manifest in your yard and in your home.
June is Rose Month, so let’s work hard, but don’t forget to stop and smell the roses! We are saying goodbye to the spring and hello to the start of summer! We will also be saying hello to gorgeous annual and perennial flowers and unfortunately the pests that come along with the warmer weather. Let’s get right to it with your June Landscape Management 101!
EARLYJUNE
Prune all spring flowering shrubs as they finish blooming.
Cut peony blooms when they are one-third open if you want to bring them in for cut flowers.
Plant late potatoes and cabbage.
Fertilize bulbs and most perennial flowers now. The bulbs will be forming for next year and the perennials will be actively producing flowers!
Prune and transplant houseplants experiencing vigorous growth due to increased light and warmer temperatures. Fertilize monthly.
Control heavy plant bug damage on honey locust and ash foliage with insecticides.
Inspect your vegetable garden for pests, covering and spraying as necessary. If you have specific questions check with a Vande Hey Company horticulturist.
Spray fruit trees.
Cut back late spring blooming perennials such as yarrow and salvia to encourage a second flush of blooms in summer.
Aphids can be treated with a strong jet of water or insecticidal soap. They are typically identified by curling foliage, sticky leaves, and black sooty mold.
MID JUNE
Cut back delphinium after blooming.
Allow only 1 dahlia shoot per clump
Mulch woody plants to control weeds, retain moisture, and modify soil temperature extremes.
Stake and mulch tomatoes; thin annual flowers and vegetables.
Sow perennial seeds and label all perennials.
Remove seed clusters from lilacs.
Check spruce and arborvitaes for spider mites. Thoroughly wet plants with hose if present.
If you have not mulched yet, 2-4” of fresh mulch will discourage weeds, hold moisture, and maintain even soil temperatures. Mulch rings around trees can also prevent mower damage.
LATE JUNE
Pinch out tips of black raspberry shoots when 3 feet tall.
Remove leaves of spring flowering bulbs after they turn yellow for best development and growth next year.
Set house plants on shaded patio as night temperature warms.
Fertilize roses after first full flush of blooms.
Keep an eye out for Japanese beetle adults and get ready to treat grubs.
As always, let us know if you have questions! We can give suggestions, recommend product, and help you create the beautiful backyard you’re striving toward. Call 920.788.6344 today!
Planting a tree involves more than just digging a hole and putting the tree in the ground. If you want a beautiful, healthy tree, there are a few guidelines you should follow when planting to ensure long-term success. Check out these helpful tips and tricks!
Dig a hole about as deep as the root ball and twice as wide. Ensure that the plant is slightly above the existing grade (1-3”). You want a nice, undisturbed bottom to prevent settling.
Prepare your planting mix for around the tree by combining the excavated soil with 1/3 leaf compost and any other soil amendments needed (noted below).
Prepare your new trees for installation by removing any dead or disfigured branches. Inspect the root-ball for any circling roots. Gently open up and spread out the encircling roots.
If the tree is B&B (balled and burlapped) lower into the hole and loosen the balling twine at the base of the tree to prevent the girding of the trunk. Peel back or remove as much of the burlap as possible. If the tree is potted, remove the pot and scar roots prior to lowering into the hole. Don’t forget to rotate the tree so the most attractive position is outward!
Mix root stimulator and water and apply to the root ball. Backfill the hole with your planting mix, and gently firm in. Water to remove all air pockets. If it is a particularly large tree, it is also beneficial to fill the dirt halfway around the tree and then water. This will ensure that water gets all the way down to the roots and soaks them well! You can finish by filling in the rest of the hole.
Proper watering is necessary for establishment and long-term plant health. Over or under-watering can be fatal for any plant. If rainfall has been adequate (1″ of rain per week), you may not need supplemental water. Otherwise, a deep watering of 1″ every 5-7 days (especially during the summer) is usually adequate for the first two years. Use a soaker hose to conserve water and get water to the root zone area where its needed. Also, keep in mind that organic mulch will decompose over time; reapply mulch as needed to maintain a 2″-3″ layer to help water conservation.
Remember that newly planted trees (and shrubs, too, for that matter) may not always put forth significant new top growth during the first year or two because most of its energy goes toward root growth.
Soil Amendments
We recommend an additional soil amendment of com-peat or peat moss and soil sulfur or copperas for the following trees.
American Hornbeam
Beach
Birch
Fringetree
Hophornbeam
Red Maple
Magnolia
English Oak
Redbud
White Pine
Katsura Tree
Here at Vande Hey Company, we do not want to just give you a tree and send you on your way. We want to educate you on how to best plant and care for your tree so it has many years of looking beautiful and healthy. Following these simple steps will not only help your tree get acclimated to its new home but will lead to a long and happy life of growing. Your tree will look gorgeous for many years to come!
Every year we grow beautiful annuals perfect for containers or for annual beds. They provide extra color, texture, and also a variety of different heights. Check out our 2020 Top 10 Annuals to learn a little bit more about some of our favorites!
Profusion Zinnia- Providing bright colorful flowers spring through fall, this sun-loving hybrid Zinnia is known for its durability: resisting disease, drought, and heat and even repelling deer and rabbits. Up to 18” tall and spreading 24”, it is the perfect choice for the front of borders or large containers. Their numerous 2” flowers are also loved by butterflies!
2) Verbena Meteor Shower– These dense clusters of small purple flowers are beautiful in combinations or planted as a mass. Growing 20-30” tall and 8-12” wide, this plant grows best in full sun or light shade. As a high nectar plant, butterflies and hummingbirds love it as well!
3) Australian Sword Fern– This fast-growing bright green evergreen tolerates both wind and even some sun making it perfect for hanging baskets or pots. Growing 24-46” tall, the sword-shaped fronds that characterize this Australian native are a fan favorite!
4) Euphorbia Diamond Mountain-Blooming with airy white flowers spring through fall, this low maintenance and drought tolerant plant adds great texture to combination plantings. Growing 24-36” in both height and spread, this plant-friend of ours does best in partial to full sun.
5) Gaura- Adding some height, movement, and color to combination plantings, this drought tolerant plant provides color spring through fall. Producing nectar-rich white, pink, and bi-colored flowers loved by butterflies this plant grows 24-36” tall.
6) Coprosma (Mirror Plant)– This woody plant with shiny variegated foliage offers year-round color and a range of colors from yellow or lime to pink and burgundy. It’s an instant impact plant that grows best in full sun to partial shade and reaches 48-60” tall and 36-48” wide.
7) Artemisia- Available in a variety of different growth habits, the silvery foliage looks beautiful whether it is planted alone or as an accent. FUN FACT: Artemisia is currently being tested as a ‘miracle cure’ herb for COVID-19.
8) Anigozanthos (Kangaroo Paw)- Known for its unique bird-attracting tubular flowers, the multiple long club-shaped blooms on this plant are coated with dense hairs that open up right at the tip. Coming in an assortment of colors, they are not only heat and drought tolerant, but are gorgeous as cut flowers. The plant typically grows 12-36” tall.
9) Annual Grasses- Annual grasses come in a variety of colors and heights. They provide a great accent or border adding both movement and texture. Stop by our retail center so we can tell you more about some of our favorites!
10) Strawberry Ruby Ann- Providing a continuous bloom of hot pink flowers and delicious berries all summer long, this fruit plant provides a unique addition to combination containers along with your other favorite annuals. They are also winter hardy when planted in the ground!
Looking for some help arranging containers or annual beds? Check out our Color 365program or this video to learn more about how we can help bring extra beauty and color to your yard. We would love to help you design the perfect container to fit your style.
Stop by today to see our beautiful selection of annuals!
Looking for fun and unique ways to inspire outdoor living? Tired of looking at Pinterest ideas that seem unrealistic? Want to create your own backyard paradise, but not sure where to start? These ideas are for you!
With ideas like these, little things go a long way! Try a few things this year, add a few more next year, and before you know it your yard will be looking like that backyard eye candy everyone dreams about! Contemporary, modern, rustic, alfresco dining…Sign us up!
#1) Bar Carts – Nothing says alfresco dining like a mini-bar or a bar cart. Bringing your drinks outside not only makes your trip for a refill shorter, but also creates a nice display item that all your guests can enjoy!
2) Stylish Outdoor Rugs – A rug brings a warm and cozy feel that can also add flare. Choose something with some color to accent your color scheme, or something more neutral-colored to tie everything together!
3)Planters – Nothing brings a backyard to life like something living. Custom arrangements and planters can bring color and also be updated seasonally to reflect different color schemes. Add some trellises or vertical plantings to create height dimension and watch the way your backyard transforms. Ask us about our Color 365 program to learn more!
4)Swimming Pool – Need we say more? Nothing builds a backyard paradise like your own pool! Something the whole family can enjoy; a pool will lead to many lasting outdoor memories. Add some lounge chairs with bright throw pillows to accent with bold color and you will have a tropical destination right in your back yard. Did we mention we install pools?!
5) Vacation Vibes – Tropical feels are not just for the Caribbean! Paint your railings white, pick out some Ratana furniture, some tropical planters, and maybe even a seagrass rug. Before you know it, you will be able to hear the ocean in your backyard!
6) Fire – Firetables, fireplaces, firepits, and fire features leave endless opportunities for warmth and flare. Nothing creates a cozy atmosphere like the crackle of wood or the soft flicker of a gas flame. One of 2020’s Top Garden Trends, fire is sure to always bring the heat. Build a modern contemporary look with straight lines and a rectangular firetable or a free-flowing rustic look with a rounded firetable.
7) Hot tub – Nothing heats things up in your backyard quite like a hot tub. If you want to really step up your game, you could even add a custom deck around the hot tub. Now you have the perfect place to enjoy a glass of wine and the health benefits of spas!
8)Create Cohesion and Flow – Take your indoor themes and extend them out! Whether it’s color scheme or even just a few accent colors, your indoor style does not have to end at the doorway.
9) Lighting –Low voltage lighting not only provides beauty and safety at night but also expands your ability to use your outdoor space later in the evening. Create a warm glow throughout your backyard as you up light some trees, add some path lights, or spotlight different highlights!
10)Add some color – Adding fresh paint to a deck or staircase is a great way to create an eye catcher that brings new life to older landscaping.
11) Cover it up – Adding a sunroom, pavilion, pergola or other structure adds shade and protection while also adding a structural centerpiece. These structures look awesome and create the perfect place to relax and unwind outside.
12) Make it multi-level- A multi-level landscape means a multi-purpose landscape. Levels create unique structural diversity that break up the landscape and provide little nooks for all sorts of different things whether it’s cocktails, open lounge areas, or a fire pit.
13) Frame it with a Bench or Seat Wall-Seat walls create visual intrigue and structure as they wrap the border of your patio or deck. They create more open space adding seating without filling your area with chairs.
14) Outdoor kitchen – Nothing inspires outdoor living quite like cooking and eating outside! Whether it is an expansive outdoor kitchen area, a pizza oven, or one of our favorite grills (Green Mountain and Green Egg), a kitchen adds a place to spend quality family time and enjoy good food together.
15) Add new furniture – Berlin Gardens, Kingsley Bate, and Ratana (our favorite furniture lines), provide couches, chairs, tables, and more to help transform your outdoor space! The styles and colors are limitless, so choose something that fits your style!
16) Make it comfy – Don’t just get furniture—class it up and make it comfy! Take a look at fabrics for outdoor pillows or throw cushions and create a seating area that you won’t want to leave! Express yourself with unique designs and colors and watch how it brings life and style to your space. We have extensive brochures of options for every taste.
17)Embellish with Little Things – Little details make big statements! Add lanterns throughout your yard, your favorite smelling candles, some of our favorite towels or napkins from June and December, and more! Stop by our retail center for fun ideas on how to create a space that fits your style!
18) Play Some Tunes – Every outdoor space needs some classy dinner music and late-night dance music. Whatever vibe you’re looking for, a nice Bluetooth speaker or an outdoor sound system takes your backyard party to the next level.
19) Add a Water Feature – When it comes to aesthetics, nothing quite relaxes like the soft trickle of a water feature in your backyard. Add lights to it and you have a whole new highlight to your outdoor oasis.
20) Build an Herb garden – Seems simple, but fresh herbs take every dish to the next level. They look cute in a small corner planter, highlight your green thumb, and make you look like an alfresco dining pro.
21) Get Active – Add a basketball hoop, a turf putting green, or maybe even a multipurpose court! Spending active time outside is great for your health and a great way to grow your outdoor living lifestyle.
The weather is finally warming up, spring is in the air, and we cannot wait to get to work in our gardens! We survived the “April in Wisconsin Gauntlet” and all 5,236 different types of weather it threw at us. Now it is May! Everything is greener, brighter, and warmer! Let’s get to work!
EARLY MAY
Fertilize bush fruits, grapes, and ornamental shrubs.
Plant broccoli, early cabbage, cauliflower, and spinach.
Interplant annuals among spring flowering bulbs. Be gentle!
Scout for bare patches in your lawn, raking up dead plants and debris. Now is a great time to sow grass seed to ensure it beats out the crabgrass.
Treat lawn for control of broadleaf weeds.
Do not roll lawn. Instead aerate which will allow much needed oxygen and nutrients to get to your grass. This is especially beneficial for lawns on heavy clay soils that are compacted, lumpy, or thinning. You may need to aerate again in the fall for very lumpy lawns.
Prune Evergreens as new growth begins to expand. Pinch off up to two-thirds the length of new growth “candles.”
Prune Forsythia after they have bloomed.
It is not too late to start seeds indoors, but beets, carrots, chard, kohlrabi, late cabbage, leaf lettuce, mustard, collards, turnips, radish, spinach, onion sets, onion seeds for bunching onions, peas, and potatoes can be sown directly into the garden.
Purchase and plant trees and shrubs now! Ask a Vande Hey Company representative for planting instructions to ensure healthy plants!
Examine fruit trees for Eastern tent caterpillars, being sure to remove limbs where they are nesting. You should also start your fruit tree spraying schedule. You do not want to spray when it is blooming because it can harm bees and other pollinating insects.
When leaves start to emerge from the buds, begin fungicide treatment. Be proactive! Apply every 14 days throughout cool season. Make sure to apply to crabapples, ninebarks, roses, and honeysuckles. Call Vande Hey Company to pick up your fungicide today!
MID MAY
Plant bush beans, snap beans, and sweet corn.
Plant muskmelon, squash, and cucumbers.
Work systemic insecticides into soil around roses.
Stake peonies and delphiniums.
Prune out winter-killed wood on trees and shrubs by cutting back to green wood after new growth begins.
LATE MAY
Plant geraniums and tuberous rooted begonias.
Set out peppers, tomatoes, and eggplants.
Start compost pile.
Staying on top of these tasks and being proactive will help keep your landscaping healthy and beautiful! Go get your hands dirty and enjoy the warming weather!
As always, let us know if you have questions! Also, stay tuned for our brand-new service “The Plant Doctor!” Ask all your plant and gardening questions and get answers!
