- Houseplants can be repotted at this time. Those that you don't repot will benefit from a liquid fertilizer as they begin their spring growth. A tall single stemmed plant such as a dieffenbachia can be cut down and the top segments rooted for more plants. The bottoms will continue to grow into new plants.
- You can plant bare root roses as soon as the soil is dry enough to work. The dormant plants are able to take a freeze. When the forsythias are in full bloom, it is a signal to uncover the roses and remove the winter mulch. If you have a deer problem, apply a repellent spray now. There is little green to eat and a deer will eat a rose to the ground. Prune climbing roses to fit their support. Pinch back overly vigorous canes to force branching. Remove only broken or winter damaged canes on bush roses. However, if some bush roses are inclined to outgrow their spot, cut back now.
- Yews can be heavily cut back this month. They will have a whole growing season to put out new growth. Barberies that are becoming too big for their spot, can be cut back heavily now. Reach into the bush, then renewal prune in 5-7 areas. Then trim back at top. This makes for a more natural looking shrub as opposed to a "ball". Wear long rose gloves to accomplish this task.
Questions? Contact Roger A. Larson, County Extension Director at
ralarso1@uiuc.edu
Featured Websites
Additional Websites
Illinois Master Gardeners Master Gardeners are a group of volunteers trained by University of Illinois Extension educators to provide a network of gardening programs and horticultural activities to educate the public and enhance life in their communities.
Stepping Stones to Perennial Garden Design The site offers gardeners information on site assessment, bed preparation and maintenance, and perennial selection and placement in the garden.
For more information about these programs, please contact:
Roger A. Larson
County Extension Director
Peoria County Unit
4810 North Sheridan
Peoria, IL 61614
Phone: 309-685-3140
FAX: 309-685-3397 ralarso1@uiuc.edu
