Priscilla’s Garden To-Do List for Late April/Early May

Finish planting bareroot stock such as roses, raspberries, asparagus, and fruit trees
Keep transplanting and dividing late summer and fall-blooming perennials
Plant containers with frost-resistant varieties
Plant trees, shrubs, and perennials
Finish pruning and fertilizing roses
Prune hydrangeas and scratch in an acid-loving fertilizer to promote bloom
Topdress winter damaged broad-leaved evergreens with compost and a bit of acid-loving fertilizer to promote strong new growth
Scratch in bulb fertilizer around bulbs as bloom fades
Deadhead tulips, daffodils, and grape hyacinths
Snowdrops and Winter Aconites can be lifted and divided while “in the green” – with foliage intact
Make notes about where to add more bulbs next fall
Weed out cool-season weeds when you spot them – do not let them go to seed
Plant early vegetables such as lettuce, greens, kale, chard, and herbs
Edge beds with a half-moon edger, creating broad curves or straight lines depending on your style
Begin mulching in early May when soil is starting to warm up to help preserve moisture and suppress weed seeds
Set up peony hoops or stakes early to keep these beautiful plants upright
Remove winter deer protection – fencing, garlic clips, or burlap – around May 1