Plan Your Best Garden Ever!

25.

Groom emerging perennials, cutting out last year's tangled growth. This not only makes them look a lot better, but clears the way for fresh, new growth.

26.

Plant in threes. This classic rule of thumb really works—it gives plants an opportunity to make an impression, yet not hog the garden stage. Plus, the odd number looks more natural.

27.

Make compost! It's easy and it's free...and your plants will adore it. The most successful piles are in a sunny spot, about 3 feet square. Keep compost slightly damp and stir often.

28.

Set out a rain barrel in a convenient, but out-of-the-way, spot (usually under a down-spout). Cover it with a screen to keep out leaves, dirt and mosquitoes.

29.

Where grass meets flower bed, create a shallow trench bordering the garden. Fill it with gravel or edging material if you wish. Ideally, it will halt the grass, as well as encroaching weeds.

30.

When it's in its prime, evaluate your spring bulb display. Take photos; make notes. Tuck this information away till later in the summer, when you can move bulbs and order new ones.

31.

Fight weeds early and often. They're easier to pull out by the roots after a rain or after you water. Crowds of small ones can be cut out with a few swipes of a sharp hoe.

32.

Add some quick color to your garden. Cold-tolerant annuals are great for filling the mid-to late-spring gaps—dependable favorites include pansies and snapdragons.

33.

Always fully prepare a new bed before planting. Get all weeds, roots and rocks out first. Then dig the soil to a depth of 6 to 8 inches, at least, incorporating plenty of good organic matter.

34.

Newly installed transplants appreciate a little protection from sun and wind at first. Use cardboard boxes, "row cover" fabric or even a carefully placed lawn chair.

35.

Invsest in a watering wand. This hose-end attachment delivers a soft, soaking spray that young plants appreciate (it's also terrific for watering hanging baskets).

36.

Get in the habit of protecting newly installed plants with an inch or two of mulch. This helps moderate summer's high soil temperatures, retains soil moisture and keeps weeds at bay.

37.

Clip flowers off your spring-flowering shrubs (lilacs, rhododendrons, azaleas, spirea and the like) as they begin to fade. It helps the plant conserve energy, plus it just looks better.

38.

When watering larger plants or trees, set a hose at the base on slow trickle. Check back periodically, and turn it off for a bit if there's too much runoff. The idea is to give them a deep soaking.

39.

Put in a ground cover! Clear out an area and dig in organic matter to a depth of several inches. Stagger the plants rather than make rows. Don't plant too closely—they'll fill in.

40.

The best way to fertilize shrubs and rosebushes is with slow-release granular plant food. Follow label directions about timing and amount. Always water before and after for maximum uptake.

41.

The secrets to a great focal-point planting? Choose a large-growing plant that looks good from all angles. Elevate it and/or surround it with lower-growers. Finally, be sure to pick a color that contrasts with its surroundings.

42.

To make a great window box display, hold a "dress rehearsal" first&mdashset potted plants inside and shift them around until you are satisfied you have enough and that they are well placed.

43.

Prevent lawn-mowing challenges. Elevate garden decor items on level paving blocks or stepping-stones. This applies not only to potted plants, but also urns, birdbaths, benches or sundials.

44.

For vines and climbers, put in stakes or other supports as early as possible—at planting time or soon after. Ths prevents puncturing the root-ball, plus it reminds you to keep after the tying. Redirect or prune back wayward stems.

45.

Deadhead all perennials and annuals that don't shed spent flowers on their own. This simple chore persuades plants to direct their energy into producing more blooms (rather than going to seed).

46.

Prevent plant diseases and insect damage by keeping your plants tidy. Get rid of damaged growth and yellowing leaves—clip them off the plant and, just as important, rake them out and away from underneath.

47.

Spring is the best time to prune, shear or shape your backyard evergreens, whether they are solo performers or part of a hedge. It's important that you use a good, sharp tool for this kind of job.

48.

Open your garden to more light and air with springtime pruning if needed. Remove a few of the lower branches of tall trees, thin over grown trees and shrubs and take out branches that are invading garden areas.

49.

Check the effectiveness of your watering methods. Right after you turn off the hose or sprinkler, dig down with a trowel to see how far the moisture penetrated into the soil—you may be surprised.

50.

Splashy and dependable color is easy—use potted plants. Move them in and out of displays as needed. Just remember: Don't neglect watering, as containers dry out quickly.