I still haven't had the conversations with Jude to decide what we are going to do with our lawns. I know we have way too much of the yard dedicated to the greens look, but until we decide on a plan, it is time to clean things up so we can at least see the canvas. Even if you are not making any big decisions about your lawn, now is the proper time to get out there and clean up.
Don't get me wrong. By clean up, I do not mean work your entire weekend away. You know I am against thatching. And the stuff that falls from trees and dead plants is great fertilizer. So, my advice is to just run over your lawn with the lawn mower. No bagger; why would you want to push around all that weight? All the dead grass you see will be chopped up and will decay in the next couple of months and feed the lawn. Unless you are using high-nitrogen fertilizer, it will not turn into thatch.
This is, by the way, a great time to experiment with a pattern or two as you mow. The leaves and the dead grass tops lie in exactly the manner you want, forming a wake as you move through the sea of it. Stripes, circles (my current favorite), zig-zags … anything is possible. Will the leftover cuttings smother new grass growth? No.
Remember not to clean up under trees and shrubs. Let the leaves that have accumulated there remain. They are supposed to be there. This is how your trees and shrubs feed themselves. You will never have to fertilize them.
If you are anxious to see more green in your lawns and a quicker green-up, the only answer is to water. Fertilizer will not do the trick and, besides, as I always point out, how do you know you need fertilizer until you can see how the grass has developed? Do not fall prey to the bad habit of simply dumping lime and high-nitrogen fertilizer on your lawn every spring just because you have some, or someone yells at you in a commercial, or you see lovers kissing while sitting on a freshly fertilized spring lawn.
Unfortunately, watering the lawns means having your water system up and running. You know the rules: no leaks, hose that reaches every part of the property and quick connectors. This should be a chore to take care of regardless of lawn desires for no other reason than if it hasn't rained by the time this is published, you will definitely need to water perennials. Give your shrubs water as well. Pay attention to your raspberry plants as they definitely need water early on.
Next, get down on those hands and knees and clean up the perennials. Ligularia, for example, needs to be cleaned out or it will be slow developing. For all sorts of plants, the dead growth can choke out the new. However, don't toss the dead stuff you pull out. Put it around the plants from whence it came.
It is most probably the time to put the mulch back on the beds. My goodness, what a couple of really warm days last week. Of course, feel the soil first. Stick your fingers in. Dig a small hole. No ice, I assume, unless you live way up some hillside and facing north.
Next, never give a weed an even chance. You will now see weeds as you work around the property. Stop and get them. Equisitum can only be cut at the surface. Don't mess with the roots. Chickweed has started to rear its head and must be removed from the gardens. Grass is getting its start.
And, as you wander, keep an eye out for little birches and spruce seedlings, which are weeds if they grow in the wrong place. Move them to a good one. We have too many old treed properties in many areas of Alaska, meaning the trees planted are reaching end-of-life stages. New ones need to be put in while the old ones are still around if you don't want a bare landscape for years.
Finally, you shouldn't need me to tell you to get to thy nurseries. Now is when the goods are plenty and plenty good. Rain or shine, the plants will go into the ground mid-May or so. Don't wait until the last minute to get what you need. You may not find it.
Jeffs Alaska garden calendar for the week of April 29
Vegetables to start from seed indoors: Peppers, kale, tomatoes, Brussels sprouts
Alaska Botanical Garden: Are you a member yet? Great discounts on plants from the nursery and sales and events and all manner of stuff you need to support. Go right now to alaskabg.org.
Local wildflower class: May 4, Alaska Botanical Garden. Limited space and a charge. This is a killer class for those interested and who can get in. Do not delay. alaskabg.org
Flowers to start from seed: Nemesia, nemophila, scabies, nasturtiums, sweet alyssum, bachelor buttons, marigolds, clarkia, Zinnia, calendula, canary bird vine, arctic poppy, sunflower, Shirly poppy
Veggies to start from seed: Cucumbers, squash including pumpkins, edamame
Herbs to start from seed: Cannabis
Delphiniums: Start to check for delphinium defoliators. These hungry caterpillars will be out early because the delphiniums will be, too. Hand picking and spraying Bt work well, but only if you get them early, while they are eating.