January
Dream about spring. Use the dreary days to plan a new landscape. Bring photos and measurements to Smith’s and let us help you design a new outdoor living area. Protect plants from hard freeze by thoroughly watering before the temperature drops.

February
Apply pre-emergence weed control to prevent spring weeds from appearing. We recommend Ferti-lome All Season. Around the 15th, prune rose bushes back to 18”. Sterilize pruners between each cut with a 10% bleach solution. Remove dead stems, open the plant to receive more sunlight by pruning just above a bud that points out from the center of the bush. (Climbing roses should not be pruned at this time). Plant fescue grass seed for shady spots.

March
Start spring planting. Dianthus, snapdragons, petunias and cyclamen can be planted while there is still a danger of frost. Plant trees, shrubs and perennials. Prepare planting beds with organic compost. Use Ferti-lome systemic drench on euonymus shrubs, pecan trees, crape myrtles, etc., to prevent borers and aphid all season. Start fertilizing trees and shrubs with Smith’s Premium fertilizer of Ferti-lome Tree and Shrub tomatoes and peppers indoors, or plant in pots that can be protected in case of a late freeze.

April
Go for it! Plant most all summer annuals, trees, shrubs, and perennials. Make first application of Smith’s Premium lawn fertilizer. Plant St. Augustine, Zoysia or hybrid Bermuda sod. Plant canna bulbs and elephant ears. Be on the lookout for aphids on trees and flowers.

May
Start planting caladium bulbs as well as Bermuda grass seed. Late in the month, plant heat-loving annuals like periwinkles, pentas, and lantana. Continue to plant St. Augustine, Bermuda or Zoysia sod. Plant caladium bulbs. Be on the lookout for black spot on roses.

June
Prepare for hot weather by adding a 3-inch layer of bark mulch to the top of flower beds to conserve moisture. Add soaker hoses and drip irrigation for the most efficient way to water. Continue to plant St. Augustine, Bermuda, or Zoysia sod. Treat lawn and flower beds for grub worms. Fertilize blooming annuals to keep them vigorous. Be on the lookout for red spider mites, euonymous scale and other pests. Treat trees and shrubs with systemic insecticide drench to prevent insect problems.

July
Make another application of Smith’s Premium lawn fertilizer. Monitor soil conditions and apply a deep, soaking water when soil is dry. Less frequent, but deeper watering is preferable to sprinkling more often.

August
Extreme heat and dry winds will mean more frequent watering. Monitor soil closely, use soaker hoses and slow, deep watering for trees and shrubs. Fertilize blooming bedding plants. Be on the lookout for tent caterpillars in the trees.

September
Apply pre-emergency weed control to prevent fall and winter weeds. We recommend Ferti-lome All Seasons. Prune climbing roses back to 3 feet tall. Start fall planting of trees and shrubs. Purchase fall bulbs for later planting. Refrigerate tulip and hyacinth bulbs for six weeks.

October
Plant mums, pansies, snapdragons, dianthus and ornamental cabbage. Prepare beds with composted manure or other organic compost. Plant trees, shrubs and perennials.

November
Continue planting pansies. Plant fall bulbs after Thanksgiving. Still a great time to plant trees and shrubs.

December
Protect plants from the cold weather by making sure they are thoroughly watered before a hard freeze.