GARDEN HELPER

The Pet and Garden Center
CALL US TODAY! 920-563-7361
1222 Janesville Ave Fort Atkinson, WI 53538 | info@blodgettgardencenter.com

MONTH BY MONTH HELPER

JANUARY

General Maintenance:
• If rabbits, rodents or deer have been a problem in past winters be sure to have repellents, tree wraps and guards available.
• Cement fountains, bird baths and pots should be covered or turned over to prevent water from freezing and cracking the bowls.
• We recommend de-icing products that are safer for pets, plants, lawns and concrete.
• Provide birds with fresh water and seed to help them through the winter. Bird Bath Heaters and Heated Bird Baths available in our store.

Trees & Shrubs:
• Protect young trees this winter from sun-scald by wrapping the trunk with tree wrap. This will also help discourage rodents from chewing and damaging the trunk.
• Monitor trees and shrubs for ice and snow. Let ice melt naturally rather than trying to break it with a heavy object. If evergreens begin to bend with the weight of the snow, gently brush off with a broom.
• Monitor for animal damage and apply repellents when necessary.

Lawns:
• Avoid walking or driving on frozen turf as much as possible. This breaks grass blades and can damage lawns.
• Use de-icing products that are safer for lawns and plants.

Perennial & Vegetable Gardens:
• Grow herbs indoors to have fresh herbs for cooking all winter.
• Great time to plan, organize and compile a list of things to do this spring.

FEBRUARY

General Maintenance:
• If rabbits, rodents or deer have been a problem in past winters be sure to have repellents, tree wraps and guards available.
• Cement fountains, bird baths and pots should be covered or turned over to prevent water from freezing and cracking the bowls.
• We recommend de-icing products that are safer for pets, plants, lawns and concrete.
• Provide birds with fresh water and seed to help them through the winter. Bird Bath Heaters and Heated Bird Baths available in our store.

Trees & Shrubs:
• Protect young trees this winter from sun-scald by wrapping the trunk with tree wrap. This will also help discourage rodents from chewing and damaging the trunk.
• Monitor trees and shrubs for ice and snow. Let ice melt naturally rather than trying to break it with a heavy object. If evergreens begin to bend with the weight of the snow, gently brush off with a broom.
• Monitor for animal damage and apply repellents if necessary.

Lawns:
• Avoid walking or driving on frozen turf as much as possible. This breaks grass blades and can damage lawns.
• Use de-icing products that are safer for lawns and plants.

Perennial & Vegetable Gardens:
• Grow herbs indoors to have fresh herbs for cooking all winter.
• Great time to plan, organize and compile a list of things to do this spring.

MARCH

General Maintenance:
• Time to get lawn care equipment ready to go! Tune up lawn mowers, sharpen blades, clean and sharpen pruners.
• Once snow has melted begin cleaning winter debris along sidewalks, driveways and gardens.
• Take cuttings from spring flowering plants to force indoors (i.e. forsythia, crabapple, flowering almond, etc.)
• Clean bird feeders with mild soap and water.
• Provide birds with fresh water and seed.

Trees & Shrubs:
• Continue to monitor trees and shrubs for rabbit, deer and rodent damage. Tree wrap should be removed in spring once the threat of animal damage has passed.
• Once the ground has thawed and if our spring is dry, remember to water evergreens to prevent them from dehydration and the needles from browning.
• Do not uncover your roses to early! It's better to leave them mulched to prevent fluctuation of soil temperature. March can be a month of unpredictable temperatures.
• Prune summer flowering shrubs (i.e. spirea, potentilla, etc.) before new growth begins. Spring flowering plants should not be pruned until after they have flowered.
• Spray fruit trees with horticultural oil when temperatures are above 40 degrees and no threat of freezing for 24 hours.

Lawns:
• Begin raking the lawn of debris from winter.
• Thatching and aerating can be done once temperatures warm and the ground has thawed.
• Remember "Blodgett Premium Lawn Care Program" to promote a healthy and drought tolerant lawn.

Perennial & Vegetable Gardens:
• Garden seeds are here!
• Look in your perennial garden for any plants that have heaved from the frost. Gently, push them back into the ground.
• Great time to plan, organize and compile a list of things to do.
• As temperatures warm, winter mulch may be removed.
• Cut back to the ground all perennials and ornamental grasses that were left standing for winter interest.

APRIL

General Maintenance:
• Clean bird feeders with mild soap and water.
• Take cuttings from spring flowering plants to force indoors (i.e. forsythia, crabapple, flowering almond, etc.)
• Time to get hummingbird and oriole feeders out.
• Bluebirds are back...come get your mealworms.

Trees & Shrubs:
• Spray fruit trees with Horticultural Oil to control disease and insects.
• Begin pruning evergreens to maintain their desired shape.
• If we do not have adequate moisture, remember to water evergreens to prevent them from dehydration and the needles from browning.
• Early April is a great time to thatch and aerate your lawn.
• Repair bare spots in the lawn with one of our three "Custom Grass Seed Mixes"
• EZ mulch or straw is available to spread over new seed
• Apply Step 1 "Crabgrass Preventer" beginning April 15 to April 30.

Lawns:
• Begin raking the lawn of debris from winter.
• Thatching and aerating can be done once temperatures warm and the ground has thawed.
• Remember "Blodgett Premium Lawn Care Program" to promote a healthy and drought tolerant lawn.

Perennial & Vegetable Gardens:
• Bulk garden seeds, peat pots, and seed starting mixes are here.
• Asparagus roots, seed potatoes, rhubarb, shallots, horseradish and onion sets are in stock.
• Dahlia, canna and glad bulbs are ready for the garden.
• Cool season annuals will arrive in early April.
• Work up vegetable gardens as soon as weather permits. This is a great time to correct soil conditions with amendments or fertilizer, before any planting is done.
• Cut back ornamental grass, Butterfly Bush, and Russian Sage.
• Divide and transplant perennials. Gently push down any plants that have heaved from the frost.
• Freshen mulch in your flower garden "early" to prevent weeds. Spreading is much easier if plants are just beginning to emerge from the ground.

MAY

General Maintenance:
• Clean birdbaths and feeders with mild soap and water.
• Put out nesting material such as twigs, grass, dryer lint, yarn and twine.
• Make sure your hummingbird and oriole feeders are clean and filled with nectar.
• Provide birds with fresh water and seed.

Trees & Shrubs:
• Prune spring flowering shrubs and ornamental trees immediately after they are done blooming.
• Evergreens may be pruned lightly to keep their desired appearance.
• Do not prune oak trees until late fall or winter to prevent the spread of diseases.
• Water soluble fertilizer may be applied to plants that need a boost after a long winter.
• When planting this season, Do Not Plant to Deep! Research indicates that more trees and shrubs suffer from being planted to deep than any other problem.
• Mulch around trees and shrubs. Do not allow mulch to touch the trunk. Mulching controls soil temperature, retain moisture, helps to reduce weeds and prevent lawn mowers from damaging the trunks.

Lawns:
• Thatch and aerate your lawn if needed.
• Apply a crabgrass preventer by the first week of May! Do not apply a crabgrass preventer to any areas that you plan to reseed in spring.
• Snow mold is present in lawns this spring! Snow mold can be identified as patches of flattened whitish brown grass sometimes more obvious along sidewalks and driveways. Lightly rake these areas to speed the drying and to stimulate grass growth. Reseed areas if they do not recover by mid May.
• How to repair lawns? Lightly loosen the surface of the soil and sow one of our custom grass seed mixes evenly over the area. Mulch lightly with EZ mulch or straw...remember to water!

Perennial & Vegetable Gardens:
Annuals, Perennials, Hanging Baskets, Designer containers are all filling our Greenhouse!
• When planting containers for the patio use our "Ultimate Potting Soil" and "Soil Moist" to keep the plants well watered.
• "Gardeners Special" water soluble fertilizer used every two weeks keeps your plants looking great.
• Apply pre-emergent weed killer (Treflan) in your flower beds before you apply mulch.
• Time to plant summer flowering bulbs (i.e. dahlias, gladiolus  etc.).
• Let spring bulb foliage yellow and die back naturally (i.e. tulips, daffodils etc.). The leaves contain energy that the bulb needs for next years growth.
• Pinch off chrysanthemums through June.
• Apply "Rose Food w/systemic" for beautiful roses all season.
• Check out our great selection of Vegetable and Flower Seeds!
• Plant your vegetable gardens as soon as weather allows. After May 15th is usually safe, however this month can have some surprises! Keep an eye on night time temperatures.

JUNE

General Maintenance:
• Clean birdbaths and feeders with mild soap and water.
• Put out nesting material i.e., twigs, grass, dryer lint, yarn or twine.
• Provide birds with fresh water and seed.
• Bats are an effective control for insects. We have bat houses in "The Mill Store"

Trees & Shrubs:
• Prune spring flowering shrubs & ornamental trees immediately after they are done blooming.
• Evergreens may be pruned lightly to keep their desired appearance.
• Do not prune oaks until late fall or winter to prevent the spread of diseases.
• Water soluble fertilizers may be applied to plants that need a boost.
• When planting this season, Do Not Plant to Deep! Research indicates that more trees and shrubs suffer from being planted to deep than any other problem.
• Mulch around trees and shrubs. Ddo not allow mulch to touch the trunk. Mulching controls soil temperature, retains moisture, helps reduce weeds and prevents lawn mowers from damaging trunks.

Lawns:
• Apply step 2 of the "Blodgett Premium Lawn Care Program".
• How to repair lawns? Lightly loosen the surface of the soil and sow one of our custom grass seed mixes evenly over the area. Mulch lightly with EZ mulch or straw. Remember to water!
• Monitor for weeds. Dandelions or Creeping Charlie a problem, we have the solution!
• Mow your lawn at about 2 to 3 inches and leave clippings to return nutrients to the soil. Mow frequently, remove only one third of the blade at at time. This will help your lawn get through the summer more healthy and will have less weed and disease problems.

Perennial & Vegetable Gardens:
• When planting containers for the patio use our "Ultimate Potting Soil" and "Soil Moist" to keep the plants well watered.
• Pinch off chrysanthemums through June.
• Fertilize your annual flowers on a regular basis to keep them looking great! Don't forget to deadhead - it's worth the effort!
• Apply "Rose Food with Systemic" for beautiful roses all season.
• Watch for blackspot, powdery mildew and rose budworm on your roses.
• Continue to stake tall flowers and train vines to supports. Tie stems with floral tape found in our garden center.
• Harvest most herbs just before flowering. This is when the leaves contain the most oil.
• Vegetable and flower seeds are in "The Mill Store".

JULY

General Maintenance:
• Monitor your landscape and garden for Japanese Beetle damage.
• Clean birdbaths and feeders with mild soap and water.
• Provide birds with fresh water and seed.
• Mosquitos are out in full force. Check with us on how to make your yard more enjoyable!
• Bats are an effective control for insects. We have bat houses in "The Mill Store".

Trees & Shrubs:
• Keep trees and shrubs watered if rainfall is sparse. Plants require one to two inches of water every week.
• Prune spring flowering shrubs & ornamental trees immediately after they are done blooming.
• Evergreens may be pruned lightly to keep their desired appearance.
• Do not prune oaks until late fall or winter to prevent the spread of diseases.
• Water soluble fertilizers may be applied to plants that need a boost.
• When planting this season, Do Not Plant to Deep! Research indicates that more trees and shrubs suffer from being planted to deep than any other problem.
• Mulch around trees and shrubs. Do not allow mulch to touch the trunk. Mulching controls soil temperature, retains moisture, helps reduce weed and prevents lawn mowers from damaging trunks.

Lawns:
• Keep lawns watered if rainfall is sparse. Lawns require one to two inches of water every week.
• How to repair lawns? Lightly loosen the surface of the soil and sow one of our custom grass seed mixes evenly over the area. Mulch lightly with EZ mulch or straw. Remember to water!
• Monitor for weeds! Dandelions or Creeping Charlie a problem, we have the solution...Fertilome Weed Free Zone!
• Treat Crabgrass with Fertilome Weed Out with Q. Treat when the weed is young to obtain best results.
• Raise your mowing height to 3-4 inches and leave clippings to return nutrients to the soil. Mow frequently, remove only one third of the blade at a time. This will help your lawn get through the summer more healthy and will have less weed and disease problems.

Perennial & Vegetable Gardens:
• Prune annual and perennial flowers to promote compact plants and more blooms.
• Fertilize your annual flowers on a regular basis to keep them looking great. We use Fertilome Blooming & Rooting for our plants!
• Apply Fertilome Rose Food w/systemic for beautiful roses all season.
• Watch for blackspot, powdery mildew and Japanese Beetles on you roses.
• Continue to stake tall flowers and train vines to supports. Tie stems with floral tape found in our garden center.
• Harvest most herbs just before flowering. This is when the leaves contain the most oil.
• Keep up with your vegetable garden. Harvest on a regular basis for large yields.

AUGUST

General Maintenance:
• Clean birdbaths and feeders with mild soap and water.
• Provide birds with fresh water and seed.
• Mosquitoes are out in full force. Controls for the yard are available!
• Bats are an effective control for insects. We have bat houses!

Trees & Shrubs:
• If you have yellowing of foliage on trees and shrubs this is a condition called "Clorosis" which requires iron to correct. Stop in and see us - we'll be happy to help.
• Keep plants watered if rainfall is sparse. Plants require one to two inches of water every week.
• Evergreens may be pruned lightly to keep their desired appearance.
• Do not prune oaks until late fall or winter to prevent the spread of diseases.
• Water soluble fertilizers may be applied to plants that need a boost. We can help you get the right formula for your plants.
• When planting this season, Do Not Plant to Deep! Research indicates that more trees and shrubs suffer from being planted to deep than any other problem.
• Mulch around trees and shrubs. Do not allow mulch to touch the trunk. Mulching controls soil temperature, retains moisture, helps reduce weeds and prevents lawn mowers from damaging trunks.

Lawns:
• Keep lawns watered if rainfall is sparse. Lawns require one to two inches of water every week.
• How to repair lawns? Lightly loosen the surface of the soil and sow one of our custom grass seed mixes evenly over the area. Mulch lightly with EZ Mulch or straw. Remember to water!
• Monitor for weeds! Dandelions or Creeping Charlie a problem...we have the solution! Fertilome Weed Free Zone is a great broadleaf weed killer.
• If animals are digging in your lawn, grubs are most likely the culprit. Grubs will begin feeding in mid August through September. Be on the look out! Treatments are available.
• Treat crabgrass with Fertilome Weed Out with Q. This product works best on young weeds less than 3" long.
• Raise your mowing height to 3-4 inches and leave clippings to return nutrients to the soil. Mow frequently, remove only one third of the blade at a time. This will help your lawn get through the summer more healthy and will have less weed and disease problems.

Perennial & Vegetable Gardens:
• Fall flowers have begun to arrive! Mums, Asters, Pansies, Flowering Kale and much more!
• Remove weeds in your garden to conserve moisture, nutrients and discourage the spread of diseases and insects.
• Gardens require one to two inches of rainfall each week. If watering is needed it's best to water thoroughly less often than doing light watering everyday. Deep watering will promote deep root systems and will help the plants to tolerate dry weather.
• Fertilize your annual flowers on a regular basis to keep them looking great. We use "Fertilome Blooming & Rooting"!
• Watch for blackspot, powdery mildew and Japanese Beetles on your roses.
• Continue to stake tall flowers and train vines to supports. Tie stems with floral tape found in our garden center.
• Keep up with the vegetable garden. Harvest on a regular basis for large yields.
• Start herb garden indoors for fresh herbs all winter.

SEPTEMBER

General Maintenance:
• Clean birdbaths and feeders with mild soap and water.
• Provide birds with fresh water and seed.
• Mosquitoes are out in full force. Controls for the yard are available!
• Bats are an effective control for insects. We have bat houses!

Trees & Shrubs:
• Now is a great time to plant trees, evergreens and deciduous shrubs. The cooler fall weather promotes root growth and gives plants a headstart for next year.
• If you have a tree or shrub that gets attacked with a bug every year "Fertilome Systemic Trees & Shrub Drench" could be the answer. Apply it now to control insects next year - before the damage occurs!
• Do not prune oaks until late fall or winter to prevent the spread of diseases.
• When planting this season Do Not Plant to Deep! Research indicates that more trees and shrubs suffer from being planted to deep than any other problem!
• Mulch around trees and shrubs. Do not allow mulch to touch the trunk. Mulching controls soil temperature, retains moisture, helps reduce weeds and prevents lawn mowers from damaging trunks.

Lawns:
• Apply step 4 (Winterizer) of our "Premium Lawn Care Program". This is the most important application of fertilizer for your lawn. Don't forget to get this one spread before the snow flies!
• With cooler days and night now is a great time to install a new lawn or repair an existing one.
• How to repair lawns? Lightly loosen the surface of the soil and sow one of our custom grass seed mixes evenly over the area. Mulch lightly with EZ Mulch or straw. Remember to water!
• Monitor for weeds! Dandelions or Creeping Charlie a problem...we have the solution! Fertilome Weed Free Zone is a great broadleaf weed killer.
• If animals are digging in your lawn, grubs are most likely the culprit. Grubs will begin feeding in mid August through September. Be on the look out! Treatments are available.
• Raise your moving height to 3-4 inches and leave clippings to return nutrients to the soil. Mow frequently, remove only one third of the blade at a time. This will help your lawn get through the summer more healthy and will have less weed and disease problems.

Perennial & Vegetable Gardens:
• Fall flowers are here! Mums, Asters, Pansies, Flowering Kale and much more!
• Grow herbs indoors to have fresh herbs for cooking all winter.
• Spring Flowering bulbs have arrived! Tulips, daffodils, crocus and to many more to mention.
• Great time to plan, organize and compile a list of things to do next spring.

OCTOBER

General Maintenance:
• Prevent swarming insects such as Asian Lady Beetles and Box Elder Bugs from entering your home with HiYield 38 Plus.
• Before freezing temperatures move all liquids indoors. Clean up ceramic and clay pots and move indoors to prevent cracking. Cement fountains, pots and bird baths should be covered or turned over to prevent water from freezing and cracking the bowls.
• Compost leaves, grass clippings and plant debris. Use our "Compost Maker" to get your compost pile started.
• Move houseplants inside. Check for bugs and spray with insecticidal soap if needed.
• If rabbits, rodents or deer have been a problem in past winters be sure to have repellents, tree wrap and guards ready to go.

Trees & Shrubs:
It's Not to Late to Plants! Planting may continue until the ground freezes
• Do not prune oaks until late fall or winter to prevent the spread of diseases.
• When planting this season Do Not Plant to Deep! Research indicates that more trees and shrubs suffer from being planted to deep than any other problem.
• Mulch around trees and shrubs. Do not allow the mulch to touch the trunk. Mulching controls soil temperature, retains moisture, helps reduce weeds and prevents lawn mowers from damaging trunks.

Lawns:
• Apply step 4 (Winterizer) if you did not get it done. This is the most important application of the year...don't miss it!
• Fall is a great time for controlling broadleaf weeds in the lawn (i.e. dandelions, creeping charlie, clover etc.) Use "Fertilome Weed Free Zone" for controlling your broadleaf weed problems.
• Dormant seeding will begin soon.
• Continue to mow your lawn at about 2 to 3 inches and leave clippings to return nutrients to the soil. Try to avoid clumping. Final mowing of the season should be shorter to prevent diseases and rodent damage.
• Fall is a great time to thatch and aerate your lawn, if needed.

Perennial & Vegetable Gardens:
• Begin planting spring flowering bulbs for great color next spring! Tulips, daffodils, crocus and many more!
• After a hard frost remove all dead plant material to prevent insects and disease problems next year. Also, a great time to dig and divide perennials.
• Prepare garden soil for next spring. Use "Fertilome Ultimate Potting Mix" to loosen garden soil.
• After a hard frost, dig and store begonias, dahlias and glads. Dust bulbs with an insecticidal dust then store in a box of vermiculite and put in a cool basement.

NOVEMBER

General Maintenance:
• Before freezing temperatures move all liquids indoors.
• If rabbits, rodents or deer have been a problem in past winters be sure to have repellents, tree wraps and guards available.
• Cement fountains, bird baths and pots should be covered or turned over to prevent water from freezing and cracking the bowls.
• We recommend de-icing products that are safer for pets, plants, lawns and concrete.
• Provide birds with fresh water and seed to help them through the winter. Bird Bath Heaters and Heated Bird Baths make great Christmas gifts.

Trees & Shrubs:
• Protect young trees this winter from sun-scald by wrapping the trunk with tree wrap. This will also help discourage rodents from chewing and damaging the trunk.
• Cooler weather sometimes make us believe plants will not need to be monitored for water. Evergreens especially need to be watered until the ground freezes. Evergreen needles will use and loose moisture all winter so it's important to provide moisture to prevent the browning of needles.
• Monitor trees and shrubs for ice and snow. Let ice melt naturally rather than trying to break it with a heavy object. If evergreens begin to bend with the weight of the snow, gently brush off with a broom.
• Monitor for animal damage and apply repellents if necessary.

Lawns:
• Rake lawns on a regular basis to prevent leaves from piling up and potentially smothering your lawn.
• Still time to apply Winterizer to your lawn if you have not done so!
• Final mowing of the season should be shorter to prevent disease and rodent problems.
• Avoid walking or driving on frozen turf as much as possible. This breaks grass blades and can damage lawns.
• Use de-icing products that are safer for lawns and plants.

Perennial & Vegetable Gardens:
• After a hard frost remove all dead plant material to prevent insects and disease problems next year. Also, a great time to dig and divide perennials.
• Prepare garden soil for next spring. Use "Fertilome Ultimate Potting Mix" to loosen garden soil.
• After a hard frost, dig and store begonias, dahlias and glads. Dust bulbs with an insecticidal dust then store in a box of vermiculite and put in a cool basement.
• Amaryllis bulbs make great Christmas gifts.
• Grow herbs indoors to have fresh herbs for cooking all winter.
• Great time to plan, organize and compile a list of things to do next spring.

DECEMBER

General Maintenance:
• If rabbits, rodents or deer have been a problem in past winters be sure to have repellents, tree wraps and guards available.
• Cement fountains, bird baths and pots should be covered or turned over to prevent water from freezing and cracking the bowls.
• We recommend de-icing products that are safer for pets, plants, lawns and concrete.
• Provide birds with fresh water and seed to help them through the winter. Bird Bath Heaters and Heated Bird Baths make great Christmas gifts.

Trees & Shrubs:
• Protect young trees this winter from sun-scald by wrapping the trunk with tree wrap. This will also help discourage rodents from chewing and damaging the trunk.
• Monitor trees and shrubs for ice and snow. Let ice melt naturally rather than trying to break it with a heavy object. If evergreens begin to bend with the weight of the snow, gently brush off with a broom.
• Monitor for animal damage and apply repellents if necessary.

Lawns:
• Avoid walking or driving on frozen turf as much as possible. This breaks grass blades and can damage lawns.
• Use de-icing products that are safer for lawns and plants.

Perennial & Vegetable Gardens:
• Amaryllis bulbs make great Christmas gifts.
• Grow herbs indoors to have fresh herbs for cooking all winter.
• Great time to plan, organize and compile a list of things to do next spring.

We dedicate this page to you, our valued customer!
On these pages you will find month by month lawn and garden tips. These are our recommendations based on our knowledge and experience. We want you to feel confident that we will meet all your gardening needs. So if you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us at (920) 563-7361.
We look forward to hearing from you!
"Great Service, Experienced Staff And Quality Products"
Contact us in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, for more information about our gardening tips.
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