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Master Gardenersm Column for the Week of March 28, 2005
Charlie Spencer
Brunswick County Extension Master Gardenersm Volunteer

DON'T RUSH SPRING PART II

The following is Part II of information provided by Extension Master Gardenersm Charlie Spencer and Dan Mullins, Extension agent in Santa Rosa County, Florida.

Finish pruning grape vines, blackberries, peaches, and most other fruits. Delay the pruning of blueberry plants until harvest is completed in June. Do any necessary pruning of crape myrtle, hibiscus, althea, and other summer flowering shrubs.

Do not prune the spring flowering shrubs yet. Any needed pruning of azalea, camellia, spirea, wisteria, and forsythia should be delayed until shortly after the flowering season is over. Late in the month begin removing cold damage and other damaged branches from shrubs and tender perennials. By the end of March, it’s about time to start planting the warm season vegetables.

And while on the subject of delaying certain jobs, it is still too early for fertilizing the lawn. Wait until a uniform green-up is seen. The extremely early application of a nitrogen-containing fertilizer can encourage premature growth which might be more susceptible to cold injury. Your winter weeds on the other hand, would love a dose of fertilizer but I doubt that is the desired outcome. It is best not to use a weed-and-feed type fertilizer until after grass green-up. Remember, for best results when using fertilizers, submit a soil sample so you know just what kind and the proper amount to apply. This applies to turf, trees, shrubs, and vegetables.

Have a great growing season!

Send your gardening questions or comments to: Brunswick County Master Gardener Column, P.O. Box 109, Bolivia, NC 28422, or call (910) 253-2610. Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope if requesting information or a reply. Answers may be printed in this column.

North Carolina State University and North Carolina A&T State University commit themselves to positive action to secure equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, sex, age, or disability. In addition, the two Universities welcome all persons without regard to sexual orientation. North Carolina State University, North Carolina A&T State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating.

For further information or assistance, please e-mail:
Charlie Spencer, Brunswick County Extension Master GardenersmVolunteer

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Date Created 3/24/2005