|
Date |
Tip |
|
|
March |
When pruning fruit trees cut
the side (lateral) branches back to a fruiting spur
that points towards the ground. It is proven that
these spurs will produce the most fruit. |
|
|
March - October |
Variegated Plants / Trees /
Shrubs
Variegated plants require more sunlight to
compensate for the lack of chlorophyll in the
leaves. Variegated plants tend to be less hardy than
the original species and care should be taken to
protect them from the dominant winter winds.
Two tone leaves could revert
back to the original species. Reversion produces
straight green leaves and should be pruned out
immediately or it will quickly take over the whole
plant |
|
|
April - May |
To ensure your bulbs flower
again next year, do not cut back the leaves until
they turn yellow or brown. Valuable energy from the
leaves will get stored in the bulb to produce
flowers for years to come. Cutting the green leaves
back will reduce the bulb size and make them less
likely to flower the next year.
Suggestion: plant something to hide the leaves. |
|
|
May |
Compost makes excellent mulch.
Loosen the soil before applying a 1 – 2” layer. The
mulch can then be stirred into the soil the next
spring and another layer added. This will reduce
weeds, enrich and feed the soil, reducing the need
for fertilizers. |
|
|
May - June |
Shrubs that have hollow stems
are considered “Cane-shrubs” (i.e. Forsythia). Prune
cane shrubs by removing every 3rd year’s growth at
the ground after flowering. This will keep the shrub
at its natural shape and at a manageable size. |
|
|
May - June |
 When pruning a hedge the top
should be narrower than the bottom.
This
will allow light to the lower branches so they
develop and fill in so that no weeds grow
underneath. |
|
Summer |
To control earwigs place
folded, moist burlap in or near your garden. The
earwigs will hide in the burlap to avoid the hot
sun. During the day, quickly and carefully
pick up the burlap and submerge in a pail of water
to drown them. Replace the burlap and continue
daily until control is obtained. |
|
|
Older Tips |
Rob Gagen
Foreperson, Parks & Property |
This time of year most of the
Tulips have finished flowering (or close to it). If
you want to enjoy these flowers for several years
you will need to give them special care. It is best
if you snap off the seed pod on Tulips (after they
flower) as leaving them to develop will drain the
bulb of valuable nutrient and make the flowers
smaller in future years. Next, leave the tulip
leaves on the plant until they yellow. The nutrient
from the leaves will assist in the development of
the bulb, making it larger and well nourished to
provide healthy flowers for years to come. A good
practice is to apply compost to the soil around the
bulbs. This will keep the weeds down and provide
good nutrient for bulb development and future
flowers. |
May 29, 2009 |
Rob Gagen
Foreperson, Parks & Property |
Shrub pruning:
Shrubs that flower in early Spring should be pruned
right after they flower (Forsythia). Shrubs
that flower in later Summer or in the Fall (Rose of
Sharon) should be pruned in the early Spring as
these shrubs flower on the new growth branches.
Cane shrubs are identified
by having a hollow stem. Beautybush and Forsythia
are good examples. These shrubs should never be
trimmed with hedge clippers. To keep the natural
shape of the shrubs and to keep them from getting
too tall it is best to prune them a certain way.
With cane shrubs, you should always remove the third
years growth at the ground (after flowering). This
will encourage new shoots (from the ground) which
will flower the next year. Pruning in this method
will always keep the natural shape of the shrub,
produce more flowers and they will never become too
tall. |
May 29, 2009 |
Bashar Sayyed
Leadhand Horticulture & Turf |
Collection of tips from the
City of Pickering
Sustainable
Gardening, Spring Tips, Dividing Perennials; Lawn
Mowing, Fall Tips [PDF] |
|
|
Mayor Ryan |
Join our Gardeners Showcase and
Mentorship program! Registering in the program
allows you to submit your favourite garden photos
and anecdotes. The information you will
receive from our mentoring gardeners is invaluable,
and you may receive special recognition for your
efforts. |
May 8, 2009 |
|
Councillor McLean |
We want to hear what you or
your group are already working on. Pickering Blooms
is about Showcasing the efforts of our vibrant
community. |
May 8, 2009 |
