Fertilizing
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Fertilize azaleas after they bloom
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Fertilize annuals, shrubs, and trees that were not fertilized in the fall
Planting
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Plant summer bulbs
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The average last spring frost date in Durham County is April 13, +/- 11 days. After last frost, plant herbs and warm-season vegetables.
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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.
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Replace cool-season annuals, such as pansies with summer annuals.
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Plant perennial seeds, such as hollyhock, coreopsis, daisy, phlox and Sweet William.
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Plant small fruit plants, such as strawberry, blueberry and blackberry.
Pruning
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Cut back butterfly bushes to approximately 30”
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Cut back ornamental grasses close to the ground
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Prune azaleas after they bloom
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Pinch chrysanthemums to promote later bloom
Spraying
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Spray insect oil on fruit trees
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Check azaleas, rhododendron and pyracantha for lace bugs. Treat with an insecticide if necessary.
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Spray roses before buds open.
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Begin spraying to control poison ivy, honeysuckle and kudzu with a recommended herbicide.
Lawn Care
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Start mowing tall fescue to three inches
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Begin irrigation
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Fertilize warm-season grasses
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Do not fertilize cool-season grasses, such as tall fescue, Kentucky blue grass and fine fescue now.
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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
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Perform mower maintenance
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Re-mulch beds
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Clean out water gardens