Spring is a great time to add plants to your garden. Our trained staff can help you choose the“right plant for the right place”.

Nowhere is the "right plant, right place" edict more important than in southern gardens. More often than not, plants that are under stress are more susceptible to pests and diseases. Many gardeners attempt to stretch the plant's limits by planting in locations not suited for optimum
growth. Often times gardeners will run out of space and stretch the limits by placing sun plants
in partial shade and shade plants in sunny locations. The bugs can hear the dinner bell. On the
other hand, a plant well fed (good nutrition supplied in small amounts frequently), well wateredand grown in the right location, will be able to fend off nearly all bugs and diseases.

Also, keep in mind that over watering kills more plants than under watering. A “wellwatered” plant is one which is watered deeply and only when needed.

May: Now is the time to…

Annuals

• Keep an eye out for signs of insects in your garden and containers – such as aphids and slugs. An insecticidal soap works well on getting rid of the aphids, and a slug bait will help eliminate the garden slugs.
• With high humidity and warm days, diseases will start  spreading faster.  To decrease the risk, try watering your pots and flower beds early in the morning so the leaves will dry off by nightfall.
• Use a liquid fertilizer like Miracle-Gro All Purpose Plant Food on your annuals every 4 -5 weeks.
• Water as necessary if rain is not plentiful. Mulching will help conserve moisture as well as inhibiting weed growth.

Perennials

• Give Daylilies a light application of fertilizer as the buds begin to appear
• Fertilize perennials every four to five weeks now with Osmoscote, Espoma Organic Plant-tone, fish emulsion or fish meal.  To promote more blooms you can also add a once-monthly application of water soluble fertilizer such as Bloom Booster or Miracle Gro to your regular fertilizing routine.
• After blooming fertilize Iris with a balanced fertilizer such as super phosphate or Osmocote. The fertilizer should not touch the rhizome.
• Water thoroughly to a depth of 12 inches as necessary. More water may be necessary during the hot, dry summer months.
• Watch out for Powdery Mildew (a fungus) It appears as if white powder has been sprinkled on your leaves. It can be pruned out or treated with Daconil or a new Organic spray called Serenade Garden and Disease Control available at our store.

Nursery

• Monitor plants on a regular basis, look at overall health and vigor. Spot check for insects munching on leaves, on new growth, and on the underside of the leaves. Also look for signs of fungal diseases. We offer a free diagnostic service at the garden center. Bring us a 6 inch section of affected leaves and stem. We can, usually, offer suggestions for treatment.                      
• Prune spring flowering shrubs as soon as the flowers begin to fade. Prune to control size, remove awkward growth and diseased or broken branches.
• If you have not yet fertilized trees and shrubs, do it now. We recommend Fertilome Tree and Shrub Plant Food in either a 4lb tub, 20lb bag, or 40lb bag. You do not need to remove your mulch when applying the fertilizer but immediately water the area. The fertilizer works best when it is in contact with the soil.
• Water as needed, remembering that in order for trees and shrubs to develop deep strong roots, they require deeper watering than your lawn.
• Use organic mulch to keep roots cool and conserve moisture. We recommend a 2”-4” layer below trees and shrubs. Keep the mulch 6” away from the base of the plants.

Houseplants/Tropicals

• Check all five growing factors if houseplants are not growing well. Light, temperature, nutrients, moisture and humidity must be favorable for good growth.
• Houseplants with large leaves and smooth foliage will benefit from a shower! This will remove dust and grime, helping keep the leaf pores open, enhancing photosynthesis.
• When moving plants outdoors, prevent leaf scorch by moving them gradually from dense to light shade.
• Tropical color such as Hibiscus, Mandevilla, Tibouchina (Princess Flower), Duranta, Bougainvillea and others do best when watered thoroughly then allowed to dry out before the next watering. Too much water or too frequent watering can cause the plant to drop leaves. Resist the urge to water more. Allowing the plant to dry out and applying some liquid fertilizer can help the plant recover. Also, some tropicals like Princess Flower and Brugmansia do best with morning sun and filtered afternoon sun.

Plantsthatwork.com

Monrovia.com

Ballseed.com

Provenwinners.com

Espoma Organic Fertilizers

Clemson Extension Home and Garden Center