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Step 1
*Assess* Take a walk around the flower beds and assess the damages done over the winter to the plants in the yard. The difference in temperatures and freezing cold will do some external damage, yet perennials will come back year after year, if cared for properly.
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Step 2
*Mulch* Don't remove the winter mulch all at once. Uncover the mulch from the flower beds a little at a time over a week or two. This will allow the plants to adjust to the current temperatures and the sunshine.
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Step 3
*Trim* Using a pair of sharp garden shears, trim back the dead growth on perennials just below last year's growth. Make sure you trim the stems at an angle. This will allow the plants to maintain their original size at the beginning of the season.
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Step 4
*Grasses* Ornamental grasses such as pampas grass can be trimmed to a height of 4 inches above the soil level. This allows the new growth to be healthier and more visually appealing.
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Step 5
*Fertilize* Use a general all purpose fertilizer of 6-6-6 as the first feeding of the year. This will give the roots and plants enough fertilizer to get started for the year.
Comments
Susang6 said
on 3/15/2009 March is the perfect time to trim back the grasses, thanks for reminding me.
BellaCasa said
on 3/10/2009 I can't wait to get out into the garden and trim the perrenials after this long, cold winter!
sonni57 said
on 3/6/2009 I didn't know this thanks it's very helpful.
klnygaard said
on 3/3/2009 great information
surly-mac said
on 3/2/2009 This is the information a "black-thumb" like me needs - in fact, I thought that you had ADDRESSED this article to me... then I realized I misread the "Word" in Step one... "Assess"...Good article, well written and informative. Thank You!