Sharpen mower blades in preparation for the first lawn cutting and keep blades sharp through the growing season. Dull blades shred grass rather than cut it, causing the lawn to have a ragged, brownish look and can make it more vulnerable to disease.
Dig and divide perennials as soon as their new shoots appear—the earlier, the better. Most perennials will benefit from division every 3 to 5 years in order to rejuvenate plants and ensure abundant blooms from year to year.
Grow up! Create a trellis or structure to support vining crops.
Moss control products are temporary; moss recurs unless underlying causes are corrected.
Prune lavender after plants begin to show signs of growth.
Keep off the lawn as much as possible until the ground dries, at which point rake off dead grass and other debris that has accumulated.
Allow the leaves of daffodils to die back naturally after the plants have finished blooming, since the leaves generate food for the plants. Resist the temptation to tidy the appearance of the loose, floppy foliage by tying or braiding.
Plant Something Massachusetts is a project of Massachusetts Nursery and Landscape Association, and was originally established in partnership with Massachusetts Flower Growers’ Association.