Fertilizing

• Fertilize azaleas after they bloom

• Fertilize annuals, shrubs, and trees that were not fertilized in the fall

Planting

• Plant summer bulbs

• The average last spring frost date in Durham County is April 13, +/- 11 days.  After last frost, plant herbs and warm-season vegetables.

• The following warm-weather vegetable can be planted this month:  green beans, cucumbers, squash, pumpkins, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, sweet potatoes, melons, swiss chard, beets, cantaloupe, and corn.

• Replace cool-season annuals, such as pansies with summer annuals.

• Plant perennial seeds, such as hollyhock, coreopsis, daisy, phlox and Sweet William.

• Plant small fruit plants, such as strawberry, blueberry and blackberry.

Pruning

• Cut back butterfly bushes to approximately 30”

• Cut back ornamental grasses close to the ground

• Prune azaleas after they bloom

• Pinch chrysanthemums to promote later bloom

Spraying

• Spray insect oil on fruit trees

• Check azaleas, rhododendron and pyracantha for lace bugs.  Treat with an insecticide if necessary.

• Spray roses before buds open.

• Begin spraying to control poison ivy, honeysuckle and kudzu with a recommended herbicide.

Lawn Care

• Start mowing tall fescue to three inches

• Begin irrigation

• Fertilize warm-season grasses

• Do not fertilize cool-season grasses, such as tall fescue, Kentucky blue grass and fine fescue now.

• Mow your warm-season grasses at the correct height.  Bermuda and zoysia at 1 inch and St. Augustine at 2-3 inches.

Propagation

• Divide perennials such as daylilies and hostas

Specific Chores

• Perform mower maintenance

• Re-mulch beds

• Clean out water gardens