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3/19/2024

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Apr '09 Contents

Apr '09 Cover
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Articles

Bluebirds, Forgiveness, and Spring
By Gert Slabach

Philip Wyatt Skate Park
A Legacy of Giving
By WB Carver

Welcome Spring
By Tammy Tillotson

The Sport of Collecting
(Sport Cards, Comics & More)

Dana's Garden Spot (Business Profile)

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Spring Skate Competition

Event Coverage

Photo Gallery

 

Columns

South Winds
(Life as an Exponent)
By FCOIT

Southside Gardener
(April "To Do List")
By William H. McCaleb

Ask Bubba - Advice
(Parody)
More Pest Control


Departments

Editor's Page
(New features and ideas)
V & B Comics
(Verrnack & Blupirk)

Press Releases
Venture Outdoors
(VA Tech & Coop Ext Event)

South Boston Receives Milestone Award

Local Ins Agency Achieves Certification
(Brandon Scearce Insurance Agency Achieves On Your Side Certification)

Past Issues

Past Issues are available from June 2008 through the current issue.
Select the desired issue from the drop-down box below.

 


Southside Gardener


April To Do List for the Gardener

 Contributed By William H. McCaleb

 Master Gardener Coordinator
 Virginia Cooperative Extension

1.  Plant dahlia tubers after the danger of frost has passed. To prevent damaging roots later, set a support stake along side each tuber at planting time.

2.  It is also prime planting time for other summer bulbs such as Cannas, gladioli and caladiums.

3.  Now is a good time to divide such perennials as baby�s breath, Shasta daisies, asters, liriope and phlox.

4.  After they fade, cut back the flower stalks only on daffodils, hyacinths and other spring bulbs that perennialize in the garden. Let the foliage die back naturally.

5.  Three secrets for a full-flowering clematis: 1) make sure it gets 5 to 6 hours of sun a day; 2) keep the roots cool with a two �three inch mulch covering, and 3) sprinkle a little lime around this alkaline-lover�s planting site.

6.  Have patience with hostas you think may have died over the winter. Dana's Garden Spot - Spring Open House Celebration Many pop up late in the spring so don�t be quick to give up on them.

7.  From the middle to the end of this April, continue filling up the veggie patch with corn, snapbeans, peppers, cucumbers and tomatoes. In case of late frost, be sure to cover your plants overnight and remove the cover once temperatures are back above freezing.

8.  Time to plant dahlias. Since most grow long and lanky, place a support stake in each hole now to help prevent damage to the tuber later.

9.  The best time to prune back azaleas that are looking a little lanky is right after their flowers fade. Don�t forget to prune back your forsythia as well following bloom drop. If they need fertilizer, this is the time to apply.

   If you have questions about your landscape plants, you can also call the Extension Office and ask to speak to a Master Gardener or the Horticulture Technician.

 

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William H. McCaleb
Program Assistant, ANR
Master Gardener Coordinator
Virginia Cooperative Extension
171 S. Main Street
P.O. Box 757
Halifax, VA 24558-0757
434-476-2147
fax: 434-476-7777
http://www.ext.vt.edu

 

 

 

 

 

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