“Is it too late to apply pre-emergent to our lawn and landscape? I noticed the forsythia is blooming.”

Not yet! But the blooming forsythia is a sign that it’s time to act quickly. For your lawn, consider Fertilome All Seasons Lawn Food Plus Crabgrass and Weed Preventer, and for your landscape beds, try Dimension.

Are you looking for a natural alternative? Use Milorganite as a fertilizer and Corn Gluten as a pre-emergent. Both work well for lawns and landscape beds.

“I read about a new blueberry variety that fruits twice during the season. Do you know anything about it?” 

Yes! It’s called “Perpetua”, part of the Brazelberry series, and we’re thrilled to have it at our Outlet this spring. This unique double-cropping blueberry produces fruit in mid-summer and again in the fall. Its shiny dark green leaves turn deep red in winter, and its vibrant yellow and red new canes are a winter highlight. The berries are small, mild, and sweet—a must-try for any gardener! Find out more!

“I haven’t pruned my Knock Out roses; they’re leafing out. Is it too late?”

Not at all! Go ahead and prune them back to your desired height. As we move into April, consider feeding them with Espoma’s RoseTone to encourage healthy growth.

“What are those smaller magnolias with upright, deep purple flowers? They were stunning!”

You’re likely referring to ‘Jane’ or ‘Ann’ magnolias. These smaller, upright varieties produce beautiful early flowers with deep purple petals and are perfect for compact gardens.

“We had rust and other diseases on our apple and crabapple trees last year. How can we prevent them this year?”

Apply a fungicide like Fungonil or Mancozeb right after flowering. Repeat every two weeks for several applications as a preventative measure. While some diseases can be challenging to control, these sprays are worth trying. If planting new crabapples, look for disease-resistant varieties.

“When should we plant our veggies this spring?”

Wait until soil temperatures reach at least 45°F and ensure the soil isn’t too wet. Cool-season vegetables like peas, cabbage, broccoli, lettuce, spinach, turnips, beets, potatoes, onions, and radishes can be planted now. These veggies also thrive in containers if space is limited. See our Veggie Collection!

“Is it too late to overseed bare areas in the lawn?”

Not at all! Prepare the soil by raking bare areas to ensure the seed makes good soil contact. Apply a starter fertilizer to give your new grass the best start.

“Can we grow apple trees in a small yard?”

Absolutely! Consider semi-dwarf varieties that grow 12–15 feet tall and wide. For even smaller spaces, look into ‘Urban Apples’, which grow upright and compact—perfect for narrow gardens or large containers. Keep in mind, growing apples does require regular maintenance, but the rewards are delicious! Learn More!

“I’ve seen bees flying around at 50°F. What do they eat this time of year?”

In early spring, honeybees rely on plants like dandelions, one of their first food sources. Allow dandelions to bloom before removing them to help the bees. You can also put out hummingbird feeders (without bee guards) filled with sugar water to provide an extra food source.

“What’s the best way to get rid of wild onions or garlic?”

A thick, healthy lawn is the best defense. If they appear, dig them up, ensuring you remove the bulbs and roots. Herbicides like Bonide’s Weed Beater Ultra can also work—bruise the foliage before application and repeat as needed. Bonus: Wild onions are edible if untreated with chemicals!

“Should I apply pre-emergent under or on top of mulch in landscape beds?”

It depends:

• Before mulching, Apply pre-emergent to bare soil first, then mulch. A second application of mulch can help prevent weed seeds from germinating.
• Refreshing mulch: Apply before adding the new layer of mulch.
• Already mulched: Apply directly to the existing mulch and water it in.

“How do I get rid of chickweed, henbit, and other weeds in my lawn and beds?”

Remove them before they flower and set seed. Use a rake to pull them out. In the fall, apply a pre-emergent herbicide to prevent their return. Thicker lawns also help suppress weed growth. Fun fact: Chickweed is edible!

Have Questions? We’re Here to Help!

Cincinnati gardening doesn’t have to be complicated. Follow these tips, and your garden will thrive this spring. Got more questions? Ask our gardening experts—we’re happy to help!