December and January This is a great time to plant bare root trees such as peach, plum and apricot, also roses, berries and bulbs. It's also the perfect time to prepare your garden for spring planting. This is the best time to prune your rose bushes. Cut Christmas Tree Care Guide - Your tree will need at least ½" to 1" cut off the stump end. We will be glad to do this for you before your leave the nursery. If you don't cut off the end, your tree will dry out immediately. The stump needs to be completely submerged in water constantly. This is where most people have problems, considering all of our busy schedules; water is not restored to the reservoir of the stand. Once this water is depleted the tree quickly dries out. Keep the tree as far away as possible from heat sources such as a fireplace or heater vent. Most of the Christmas tree preservatives on the market are quite effective. Use according to the directions and check the water level daily. Be careful with homemade concoctions. Most include bleach and iron that will stain the carpet severely! February, March and April This is the time of year for planting and trimming. It's a great time to plant roses and citrus trees or start a flower or vegetable garden. This is also the best time to do heavy pruning and fertilize all your plants and trees. We recommend Fertilome Tree and Shrub Food and Fertilome Citrus Food. This is a well balanced blend, with all the trace elements your plants need. May, June, July and August During the warmer months fertilize with ½ feeding and closely watch watering of trees and plants. This is the time to plant Bermuda grass seed and install sod. Fertilize your lawn once a month. To treat water mold in Vincas, rotate your flower beds with other annuals such as Moss Rose, being one of the hardy varieties, against this virus. September and October This is a good time to plant citrus trees and plant your winter flower and vegetable garden. This is also a good time to fertilize existing trees and shrubs. During October it is time to thatch and prepare your lawn for winter Rye grass. Planting your Winter Lawn *Scalp existing lawn, or if no lawn exists, rough up bare ground with rake or rototiller. *Apply perennial rye seed (A&P Custom Blend) at the rate of 15 to 20 lbs. per 1000 square feet. *Cover the seed with a finely ground organic mulch to help hold in the moisture. A&P Moisture Mulch or steer manure are excellent choices. *Apply fertilizer (New Lawn Starter) to ensure a good, even growth rate. *VERY IMPORTANT! The seed must stay wet. Water 3 to 5 times a day until seed germinates. Water long enough to keep topping wet, but do not allow water to pool. This will take 6 to 12 days, depending upon weather conditions. October and November Get started on your holiday decorating early. Living Elderica Pines used for Christmas trees come in during these months. This is also a good time to plant trees, shrubs and bulbs.