Master gardeners answer common spring questions

Bibb County Master Gardener Extension Volunteers are trained in horticulture by the University of Georgia.  Below, they have answered two common spring questions for Macon and Middle Georgia. 

Will cleaning out my garden beds hurt the bees and other pollinators overwintering there? 

Waiting just a few more weeks to do your spring cleanup can help save Georgia’s bee populations.  

Georgia’s 500 species of native bees and other beneficial insects overwinter in your garden beds. They nest in Autumn’s fallen leaves and the graveyard of perennial plant stems. The bees stay hunkered down in their nests until temperatures are consistently above 50–55 degrees, sometimes foraging out during the day if temperatures are warm. When the daffodils, hyacinths and cherry blossoms start to show off and the weather turns warm, Georgians’ love for gardening is awakened. 

Raking beds, cutting down dead plants and clearing fallen limbs too early could do more harm than good to our insect friends. It can disrupt lifecycles and populations. But delaying planting too late can lead to terrorizing your new plants with the hot summer sun before they are established. 

Until the bees are out buzzing for the season, partial and selective cleanup is the best compromise. Clear out only enough space for installing plants now. If you are not actively planting in an area, leave it for just a little longer. Let those super habitats, like rotting logs and dead limbs, sit. 

Last week’s vernal equinox has brought us into spring, and it’s just a few more weeks before our risk of a frost is gone. By April, our bees will be out and about, busy pollinating our fruits, vegetables and flowers. Answered by Kelly B.

Is it too late to plant a Cherry Blossom tree? 

Every year when the weather gets nice and plants start blooming, I get spring fever! The cherry blossoms this year have been especially beautiful. If cherry trees are something you want to add to your landscape, the ideal time to plant is fall. This is when temperatures are mild and roots have plenty of time to get established without heat and drought stress. However, if you are like me and want to plant them now, here are some tips for better success.

If you plant in the spring, provide enough water to get them through the hot summer months. You won’t need to do this every year, but while the trees are small and getting established, it is critical.

Location is key with any plant. Pay attention to the size it will be once it matures. Yoshino cherry blossom trees (Prunus x yeodensis) will eventually get 25 to 30 feet tall and wide so make sure you give them enough space from the house, other trees and power lines. They also typically have branches low to the ground. Consider using low plants or ground covers near them. In the garden, the bright blossoms stand out
particularly well against a dark green background of evergreen shrubs or trees. They also do well under a canopy of pine trees or dappled shade from other tree species. 

There are also many other types of cherry blossom trees to consider, such as “Helen Taft,” a hybrid variety that blooms earlier with pinker blossoms. It also has better disease resistance than the Yoshino. The Akebono and Okame cherry blossoms are also beautiful varieties.

When planting any type of tree, make sure to check out the great resources on the UGA Extension website about the right size hole to dig and how to apply mulch or pine straw around the base of the tree. Answered by Laurie F.

Please send gardening questions to bibb.extension@uga.edu or call 478-751-6338.