And if you received plants for Easter, take proper care of them. They could provide months or years of enjoyment.
By MARY COLLISTER
Published April 30, 2004
Not long ago I was lucky enough to visit a local Montessori preschool and enjoy some time with a group of young gardeners. They had been busy planting flowers and vegetables and were very eager to share their experience. As a former preschool teacher and an avid gardener, I found it a perfect combination on a beautiful spring morning.
It reminded me that gardens don't have to be huge or fancy to be fun and relaxing. Children are drawn to the plants, bugs and water. If you have any little ones in your life, this would be a great time to share some time planting.
If you were lucky enough to receive an Easter plant or two, be assured that with proper care the plants can give you months or even years of enjoyment.
Some of the more traditional flowering gifts include:
Indica azaleas: The bright green leaves make a great background for the large colorful blooms. Medium light is required, and keep the soil evenly moist. Start feeding with an acid-type plant food when the flower petals start to drop. It requires high humidity and a cool temperature to be at its best. Remove faded flowers and pinch back new growth to encourage branching. After enjoying this plant indoors for a few weeks, plant outdoors in a shady location. Keep the soil moist until the plant is well-established.
Easter lily: This popular Easter plant flaunts its large white, trumpet-shaped flowers atop single stems. Keep it moist and in medium light. Use an all-purpose fertilizer such as a 20-20-20 or 15-30-25. An average to cool temperature and moderate humidity will keep it happy. Plant outdoors in a sunny location after it has finished flowering. Plant the bulb 2 to 3 inches deeper than it was planted in the pot. I planted an Easter lily in my yard about five years ago, and with no special care, it continues to thrive.
Gardenia: This plant is popular indoors and out because of its glossy green leaves and fragrant, creamy to pure white flowers. It needs medium to high light and must be kept moist. An all-purpose fertilizer such as 20-20-20 or 15-30-15 along with high humidity and an average temperature will keep it growing. Flower buds drop if the humidity is too low. Plant outdoors in full sun to partial shade. It can be susceptible to white flies, so watch it. If you notice problems, spray with a strong stream of water. If that doesn't work, spray the plant with soapy water.
Hydrangea: This is another well-known shrub that is used indoors and out. It requires medium light and evenly moist soil. Once again, use an all-purpose fertilizer. An average temperature and medium humidity will keep it healthy. After the flowers fade, prune back half of each stem. Plant in full sun or partial shade.
Once you have enjoyed your Easter gift plant indoors for a few weeks, move it to an appropriate outdoor location.
All of the above plants will do much better outdoors.
This is a good time to take a close look at your lawn. Some general management tips will help you keep your lawn looking its best:
In the spring, mow every seven to 10 days at about 2 inches, leaving it slightly higher in the shade. Use a time-released product high in nitrogen, such as a 16-4-8 or 27-3-4 when fertilizing.
Diseases this time of year may include brown patch. Apply a systemic fungicide to eradicate it. If your grass is getting too thick and becoming difficult to mow, you may need to dethatch. Aerate at the same time if the ground is compacted. Chinch bugs love spring droughts, so watch for them. Apply a pesticide according to label directions.
If you have bare spots, plug or sod and keep the new grass moist. It will quickly fill in. Add a little starter fertilizer when planting.
As the weather warms, don't forget your basic chores: weeding, selective pruning, edging and mowing. It's so much easier if we don't get behind!
- Mary Collister of Valrico writes about how to garden successfully in Florida's climate and offers problem-solving tips for your home garden. Mail questions to: Mary Collister, Brandon Times, 426 W Brandon Blvd. Brandon, FL 33511.
