Spring’s ever-changing weather…
Spring’s ever-changing weather… What is a landscaper to do?
The Illinois spring has so many levels of extreme. It seems that in April and May, one day you are still wearing your winter coat and the next you are digging out the shorts and flip flops! This spring was no exception as we experienced a cold rainy period which then got super-hot, back to cold, and then stabilizing to warm, dry weather with lawns starting to brown early and now quickly turning into days of heavy rain. It is enough to give a plant whiplash!
With this topsy turvy weather, plants need to adapt quickly. Landscapes that were planted early when the weather was still cool could have experienced cold stress, inhibiting them from establishing themselves in their beds as well as in containers. Plants can feel the stress of rainfall from too little to too much. Here are hints to help your beautifully designed landscapes reach their potential in the quick changes of the weather.
Feed Me!
Cool temperatures can cause plants to stall, and high heat followed by extreme rain can lead to hungry plants. Once the soil moisture has moderated and before it becomes dry, consider feeding your beds and containers to spur new growth and get them growing again.
This Calibrachoa Cabaret Yellow is HUNGRY! Time to get out the fertilizer injector!
Clean Me!
Look closely at your designs and decide if dead heading is necessary to remove any spoiled blooms and leaves damaged by the heavy rain. This will again encourage new growth, fresh buds, and reduce disease pressure.
Durango Tangerine Marigold before and after cleaning- taking a few seconds to remove old flowers makes a big difference.
Prune Me!
At times plants are held in the yards waiting for the weather to break- they may have started to stretch. Consider if they would benefit from trimming to encourage branching and then fertilized to kick start new growth.
Petunias are a perfect example of a plant that can get rangy while waiting to be planted into the landscape. A quick pruning before planting will stimulate fresh growth and buds- This Easy Wave Burgundy Velour is ready to fill the bed once planted!
Feeding, cleaning, and pruning are all essential for success with containers regardless of the weather. Plants such as petunias and ipomoea benefit from frequent light trims. Do not wait until they get the “summer blues” and need a harder cut back.
Keeping these ideas in mind will help your plants thrive no matter what Mother Nature has in store.
We would love to hear what you are experiencing in the field. Give us a shout and let us know how’s it growing?
