Lawns

• Mow tall fescue lawns to a 2.5- to 3-inch height. Research shows that mowing to the proper height will help control weeds.

• Do not fertilize tall fescue and bluegrass lawns using a granular product until September.

• Plant warm-season grasses such as Bermuda, centipede and St. Augustine. Wait until May to plant zoysia.

• Fertilize Bermuda and zoysia now, according to your soil test results.

• Avoid adding nitrogen to your centipede lawn.

Ornamentals

• Do not remove foliage from spring-blooming bulbs until the leaves have turned brown halfway up the blade.

• Apply a fresh layer of mulch on plant beds. Do not put down more than 3 to 4 inches of mulch. Mulch helps to retain moisture, prevent weeds and build soil.

• It’s time to plant your summer bulbs: dahlia tubers, cannas, gladioli and caladiums.

• Summer-blooming bulbs that are already in the garden will appreciate a side dressing of fertilizer when the first leaves appear.

• If spring-flowering shrubs need to be pruned, do so within one month of blooms fading.

• This is a good time to layer new plants by lowering a branch of your favorite shrubs and covering it with soil and a stone.

Edibles

• Contact your local Cooperative Extension Center to find out your average last frost date. You may plant cold-tolerant vegetables like cabbage, broccoli and greens before the last frost date.

• Plant warm-season vegetables after all danger of frost has passed.

• When you plant your garden, remember to rotate location of plant families to reduce disease and insect pressure.

Garden Visitors

• Hummingbirds will be arriving this month. Take a few minutes to clean feeders and have them put out and ready.

To learn more visit www.successfulgardener.org.