Gardening in Minnesota – Tips for Spring

Gardening in Minnesota – Tips for Spring

Because climate in Minnesota goes from one extreme to another between winter and summer, it is important to learn how to care for your garden year-round. There are many different steps you can take to keep your garden looking beautiful – even after the harsh winter. The warming weather during the month of April gives you the perfect opportunity to start planting. But before you do, here are a few things you can do each month this spring to make your garden the best it can be:

March

Prune shrubs and trees and save small limbs to use for propping up flimsy garden plants.
When the snow melts from the lawn, rake any dead spots damaged by snow mold; make sure the grass is somewhat dry.
If your garden is near a sidewalk, driveway or street, flush it with water to get rid of any de-icing salts.

April

Pull out any weeds from your garden.
Top off mulch with a fresh layer to stop over-wintering fungus diseases from spreading to new growth.
If you put winter wrap, stakes or ties around your trees, remove them.
If you choose to divide chrysanthemums, do it early in the month (as long as temperatures are above 20 degrees and the new growth is about one inch).
If you plant roses, use slow-release or organic fertilizer. Fertilize often, as roses are heavy feeders.
To speed up parsley and beet seeds, soak them overnight before planting.

May

The farther north you live, the shorter the growing season – so look for vegetables that mature early.
Remove plants from their pots and untangle any roots before transplanting to your garden.
Wait until mid-month to plant tomatoes, since frost is typically gone after May 20.
You can plant geraniums after the last frost. But be sure to put them in containers or in well-drained garden soil – spaced evenly apart. Water only the soil and not the leaves. If you see any leaves with spots on them, be sure to remove them immediately.
Postpone major pruning of trees and shrubs until next winter (unless they are broken).
The last two weeks in May is the peak time for planting annual and tropical flowers.

Sources: Midwest Living Magazine; Neil Dylla, master gardener at Northwestern Health Sciences University