Spring Shrub Shopping

January may kick off the new year for most folks, but March is really where it’s at if you’re a die-hard gardener. From under your feet to high above your head, blooms will soon be bursting out all over! And one of the best spring activities if you’ve got a green thumb is visiting your local garden center to pick up some new plants. It’s an especially great time to buy early-flowering shrubs because you can see exactly what color their flowers are. Here are some other points to ponder as you shop:

• Look for leaves that are healthy and free of dark spots or yellow patches.
• Check that the potting soil is firm and free of weeds.
• Avoid plants with visible pests, like aphids or scale.
• Make sure the pot has a readable plant tag, so you know exactly what you’re buying!

Once you’ve made your selections and placed your new shrubs in the yard, give ‘em a dose of this homemade elixir: Mix 1 tablespoon of baby shampoo, 1 teaspoon of hydrated lime, and 1 teaspoon of iron sulfate in a bucket with 1 gallon of water. Then spray the elixir on all of your flowering shrubs to the point of run-off. It’ll give them the energy them need to produce as many flowers as possible.

For more tips on getting your spring garden off to a great start, check out our bestselling book, Green Thumb Magic. You can even try it absolutely FREE for a full 21 days with our Free Preview!