Garden Talk - What to do now in every part of the garden

It?s time to go crazy in the garden! Just channel your pent-up energy and enthusiasm productively. Here are some of the important ?do now? tasks:

Trees and shrubs ? Plant now. If you wrapped trunks of tender trees last fall, remove the wrap now.

Lawns ? If you choose to use lawn chemicals, look for a ?weed and feed? combo that will offer fertilizer and crabgrass preventer. This is the perfect time for application. Follow directions to the letter. If your lawn is due for aerating (done every two to three years to alleviate compaction), April is an excellent time. However, this task could also be done in the fall.

Vegetables and fruits ? Add an inch of compost to your garden soil. Remember that inorganic fertilizers do nothing to improve soil texture. Plant rhubarb, strawberries, raspberries and asparagus (all perennials) now. Remove mulch from established strawberries. Sow seeds of peas, carrots, radishes, turnips, beets, greens, chard, and any other desired cool-loving plants. Hold off on sowing corn, which will like warmer soil. Plant seedlings of broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts, along with herbs and onion sets.

Flowers ? Dig new beds when the soil is neither wet nor completely dried out. Divide perennials now if they have been in place for several years. You may have noticed fewer blooms or dead spots in the middle of clumps, or a plant may just have a crowded look. To divide them, dig up the entire plant. Break the roots into several clumps. You can use your hands or a spading fork for some plants, but large ornamental grasses may require a knife. Replant the clumps as desired, leaving at least 12 inches between them. Excess clumps might be offered to other gardeners. Remove soil mounded around roses, and prune out dead wood.

New purchases ? Protect both garden quality and your pocketbook by doing careful research. Instead of acting on impulse when you see something blooming beautifully, visit multiple nurseries and other vendors armed with a notebook. Once you have a good idea of the plants available, their suitability for your circumstances, and their cost, then you can buy with confidence.

Too often the gardener is the last to be protected, empowered, or indulged. Follow sensible precautions. Warm up before tackling heavy tasks. Dress wisely, with sturdy, non-slip footwear, a brimmed hat, and gloves. Apply sunblock. Take water breaks.

Always allow time to step back ? or sit down ? and admire your craft and nature?s gifts.