Things to do this Month
Outdoor: By now all outdoor trees should have been removed from winter protection and placed on their growing benches. The trees should be receiving as much sun as possible. Watering needs will be high and all trees will be needing watering at least once a day. Be sure to fully saturate the soil at each watering. Fertilize on a regular basis. Higher nitrogen levels can increase growth but may also cause leaves to expand to larger sizes. Remember that the recommended rate on the fertilizer package assumes a once a month use. Decrease the amount used to make it appropriate for more frequent use. (One teaspoon per gallon once a month is the same as ¼ teaspoon per gallon once a week) Wiring may resume once the new growth ‘hardens’. Repotting should continue if it is not yet finished.
Indoor: Tropical trees will need to stay indoors until the night temperatures are consistently above 50°. This is usually late May or early June. Give the trees as much light as possible. Water when the soil gets a little dry. As with the outdoor trees, these trees will also need more frequent watering as day-length and temperatures increase. Fertilize on a regular basis. Do not repot at this time.
