Spring is on the way!

Spring is on the way!  Everyone will be anxious to get out in the dirt soon. Here is your check list from our local nursery to get your yard ready for spring! EARTH TOUCH GARDEN CENTER has the following suggestions for spring.

Trim and remove old growth on your perennials.

Clean out around your shrubbery by removing any dead weeds, leaves, and debris from the winter.  Also prune any dead limbs and shape your shrubs.

Apply fresh compost to your existing beds. Because organic fertilizers are slow release, it is safe to apply them in early March. Horticultural oils such as Neem oil is excellent to apply at this time of year for insect and disease control.

Study your yard and make plans and begin preparation now on any new beds or changes to existing beds.

Although you will see annuals and tropical plants for sale early, remember our last average frost date in Huntsville is April 15. 

Crepe Myrtle Scale has invaded the South.  Symptoms are white spots along the bark on the limbs and trunk turning the bark black.  If you cut the tree back, it is essential you bag and dispose of the limbs.  Do not add to your compost!  This disease spreads rapidly and it is showing up all over Huntsville.  The best control is with an insecticidal drench and oil spray.

We invite you to visit EARTH TOUCH for answers to any of your gardening questions. We can discuss bed preparation, composts, fertilizers and when to fertilize.  We will be happy to help you with planning new beds and discuss plants with you. We are located 8515 Whitesburg Dr, Huntsville, AL 35802, on the corner of Blanda and Whitesburg.

On March 28 we will have our annual Cabin Fever Open House. Look forward to seeing you.