Trees / Shrubs – Prune early summer flowering shrubs such as Rhododendron after they flower. For Hydrangea, be sure to check the variety to see if it sets blooms on last year’s growth or not.
Flowers – Care for tulips and other spring flowering bulbs just like a perennial. Regular fertilizer applications until foliage naturally withers away will help all bulbs re-bloom in subsequent seasons. Some tulips have better re-bloom than others. Trim spent perennial blooms to encourage formation of additional flowers on some varieties.
Lawns – New research shows that lawns kept at a mowing height of 3-4 inches can better tolerate drought stress in summer as well more quickly recover from pest invasion.
Vegetables and Fruit – Thin apples & peaches to about 6 inches apart for adequate development of large fruits. Early summer heat can stress young vegetable transplants. Be sure they are receiving adequate moisture & fertilizer for good production of leaves & potential fruits.
Planning / Garden Design – Visit gardens to get new ideas! The MSU Demonstration Gardens are open free to the public and have well labeled plant material. Call your local MSU Extension office for a brochure and map.
Pesky Bugs – Know the good guys. Take great care not to disturb the natural predator insects with an aggressive insecticide program. A little research can go a long way in this department!
Planting – Plant balled and burlapped, balled and potted, and container-grown ornamental landscape plants.
Pruning – Thinning of broadleaf and narrowleaf evergreens may be done when damaging low temperatures (below freezing) and drying winds are no longer a threat. Head back and lightly shape evergreens to remove dead and broken branches and brown, winter-injured foliage. The new growth on the plant will help you identify healthy plant parts.
Watering – Irrigate newly planted or established ornamentals any time there is less than 1 inch of weekly rainfall and plants are actively growing. Apply water at the rate of 1 quart per square foot of planting area on poorly drained soils. On well drained soils, use a half-gallon of water per square foot.
Plant protection – For newly planted ornamentals, spread a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch over the soil in the bed or around trees.
Source: Rebecca Finneran – MSU Extension & Bulletin E-1947