Spring has already begun to show all of its beauty here in Charleston! 

But this is such a busy time for anyone who loves to be outside working in their garden.  The soil is warming up, spring rains help to relieve some of the watering chores, and the plants are growing like crazy!

To manage all of this activity, you must be proactive.  All of the effort you put in now will mean much less work later -- leaving you with lots of time to enjoy the bounties to come!

• If you missed the time to fertilize your Bermuda or zoysia lawn, apply a low-nitrogen, slow release fertilizer now.  Make sure that you get advice on the type and amount of fertilizer you should use.  And of course, water well so that it soaks in.
• Deadhead -- that is, remove dead blossoms -- regularly.  Doing this not only keeps your displays looking nice, but allows you to monitor your plants so that you will notice if there is anything else they might need.
• Plant heat-loving annuals like petunias, salvia, lantana.  Make sure that you water them well and often until they become established.
• Use sharp clippers and loppers to give your hedges a haircut.  Remove suckers emerging from the bases and clip back new growth all around to inspire a new profile.
• Invest in soaker hoses now, before the really hot weather gets here -- remember that we have days of 100+ degrees!!  Thread these hoses through your flower beds, vegetable garden, ground cover or any other plants that benefit from regular moisture.