In the early spring, the unstable temperature can have a significant impact on plant growth. Both temperature increases and decreases can alter the growth rate, metabolism, and respiration of plants. Therefore, in addition to tasks like plant greening, fertiliz
atio, pruning, and pest, disease, and weed control, precautions against sudden drops in temperature, such as the “late spring cold snap,” are also necessary.
Watering: A Crucial Aspect in Spring
Spring is the time when plants are about to enter a period of vigorous growth and have the highest water demand. If the climate is dry and rainfall is scarce at this time, watering for plant greening is essential. This should be carried out after the soil thaws and when the temperature stabilizes above 3°C. When watering, trees and lawns should be thoroughly watered at one time. For trees, the water should penetrate 40 – 60 cm, and for lawns, it should penetrate more than 10 cm to ensure that the soil is moist down to the root layer.
In contrast, the southern region has more rainfall in spring, so only regular watering is required. To prevent waterlogging and root rot of plants, it is necessary to promptly dredge the drainage ditches, loosen the soil to retain moisture after watering or rain, and enhance soil permeability.
In case of a late spring cold snap, watering should be done at noon when the temperature is relatively high. It can be combined with spraying Dora KelpReal Enzymatic Hydrolysis Seaweed Solution for frost prevention.
Fertilization: Boosting Plant Growth
To help the lawn turn green earlier, Dora KelpReal + inorganic fertilizers can be applied while watering for greening. This combination aids in rapid greening and promotes strong seedling growth.
For seedlings with weak growth, using Dora KelpReal for root irrigation can stimulate root growth and help the plants regain their vitality.
Pruning: Shaping for Growth
As plants begin to grow in spring, appropriate pruning can promote the growth of new branches and the formation of flower buds.
For trees and shrubs, following the “look, cut, and clean” pruning principle, drooping branches, dead branches, and pest – infested branches should be completely removed. This improves the ventilation and light – transmission conditions of the trees, reduces the incidence of diseases and pests, and creates a better landscape effect.
For lawns and hedges, southern warm – season lawns can be trimmed once to remove the thatch layer and stimulate rapid greening. When pruning evergreen hedges (such as boxwood and photinia), keep the lines neat and beautiful.
Weed Control: Battling the Green Invaders
With the warming of the weather, weeds also emerge. The weeds germinating this month are mainly broad – leaved weeds, such as common vetch, speedwell, geranium, and shepherd’s purse. Before the weeds germinate, closed – type herbicides can be used.
Pest and Disease Control: Protecting Plant Health
Pest Control
In early spring, aphids, scale insects, and long – horned beetle larvae are among the first to become active. Regularly inspect the leaves, stems, and roots of plants and treat them promptly to avoid the spread of damage.
Control measures: Spray imidacloprid for the control of piercing – sucking pests like aphids and thrips in the initial stage. Late March is the hatching period of scale insect nymphs when the waxy layer has not yet formed, and the insects have poor resistance to pesticides, making it a crucial time for prevention and control. Physical control can be achieved through the use of sticky traps or insecticidal lamps.
Disease Control
Common diseases in spring include:
- Powdery mildew: It mainly affects the leaves, young leaves, new buds, young branches, and flower buds of plants. The obvious symptom is a white powdery substance covering the leaf surface, with the surface being uneven or curled.
- Rust: It mainly harms the leaves, stems, and buds of seedlings. The initial symptoms are yellow rust spores or tumors, rough bark, and witches’ brooms.
The control method is to use fungicides in combination with chitosan oligosaccharide.