Wonder what region you live in? See our map here or visit the “Site Specific” column in each issue of Gardening How-To.

Pacific Northwest
• Transplant most annuals after danger of frost has passed. Mulch beds to reduce moisture loss and keep weeds from germinating.
• If your trees were infected with mites, aphids, or scale last year, spray with a dormant oil before buds open.
• Fertilize woody vines and ground covers in spring or fall.

Southwest
• Inspect rose mallow for scale and Japanese beetles during the growing season.
• Harvest herbs in the morning when their volatile oils are most concentrated in the leaves.
• Place metal cans (tuna cans are good for this) with both ends cut out over seedlings to prevent cutworm damage. Crops that are particularly susceptible are cucumber, eggplant, broccoli, cabbage, peppers, and cauliflower.

Midwest/Mountain
• Check shrubs for branches killed by winter’s cold and prune back to healthy growth.
• When planting bulbs, plant in groups rather than lines for greater visual impact.
• Have lawn mowers serviced before the start of the growing season.

Northeast
• Spread fertilizer on cool-season grasses after you mow for the second time this season.
• Scout for insects (scale, leaf miners, spittlebugs, leaf hoppers, lace bugs, spider mites) on magnolias and hollies.
• Propagate sage by dividing plants in the spring or by taking cuttings throughout the growing season.

Southeast
• Plant snapdragon seeds eight to twelve weeks before the last frost. Pinch off the tops of the plants when they are 3 to 4 inches tall to encourage bushy growth.
• Spray sour and sweet cherries with insecticides labeled for fruit flies. One or two sprays during the month before harvest should control these pests.
• For an easy, beautiful hedge, plant twining vines that will mature to an appropriate size at the base of a chain link fence.