FIRST WEEK

1. Divide over-wintered baskets of Boston fern into four sections. Plant new hanging baskets using two sections of fern in each.
2. Plant dahlias, elephant ear, gladiolus and caladiums now.
3. Examine the backside of euonymous and holly leaves for the white crust that signifies scale insects. Thoroughly spray leaves with horticultural oil.

SECOND WEEK

1. It is safe to plant tomatoes, peppers and eggplant in your garden now that the soil is warm.
2. Remove withered flowers from florist’s azaleas you receive for Easter to prolong their blooming.
3. Move houseplants outdoors gradually. Never place them in full sunshine; filtered shade is best.

THIRD WEEK

1. Remove guy wires from your fall-planted trees. Trees that move with the wind grow stronger than those supported for more than a few months.
2. Plant Easter lilies outdoors after removing their faded blooms.
3. Mulch tomatoes immediately after planting to prevent early blight fungus from splashing from the soil onto the leaves.
4. “Flowering Annuals for Georgia Gardens” is a free booklet available at your local Extension Service office. Call 1-800-ASKUGA-1 to get local office phone numbers.
5. Water houseplants more frequently with the onset of more hours of sunshine and new green leaves. Begin monthly feedings with houseplant fertilizer.

FOURTH WEEK

1. Plant the seeds of annual flowers such as marigold, cosmos, zinnia and celosia. Mix lots of soil conditioner in beds to help them be drought tolerant.
2. Hang garden chimes on a tree branch so the wind keeps them constantly tinkling.
3. Plant corn, bean and pea seeds now. Use a soaker hose to water vegetable rows – you’ll prevent disease and weeds plus save water.
4. Sharpen or replace your mower blade now that lawn grass has begun growing rapidly. Check the mowing height on a flat surface.
5. Look for aphids clustered at the tips of fast-growing crape myrtle branches. Blast them off with a water hose Or Call Weed Pro.