When is hedge trimming time? Hedge trimming time is now, Phil

Each week, Susan Richards of New North Greenhouses answers your gardening questions. Have questions about your gardening needs? Please email her at [email protected]

Phil: Hi can you please tell me when the best time of the year is to prune cedar hedges and about how much should you prune back each year? Thanks

Cedar pruning can be done in late May or early June as soon as the new growth has finished, so you prune your cedar hedge now. Take off 1/3 to 1/2 of this season's growth. This will help keep the hedge nice and bushy.

If need be, you can also prune again around the end of July if the hedge looks shaggy, then leave the hedge alone! If you prune in late August or early September, this might encourage next year's dormant buds to break producing new growth that wont' get a chance to harden off before cold winter temperatures arrive. That newest growth will often die by spring.

Tracey: When do I fertilize my containers of annual flowers and how much fertilizer do I add to my watering can?

Now that you pots have been planted a few weeks, it's time to start a regular fertilizing routine. Annuals need a steady supply of nutrients to keep producing healthy leaves, strong roots and abundant flowers.

It's sounds like you have water soluble fertilizer on hand. Look at the mixing rate on the container. That is your guideline since there are many brands of fertilizer on the market.

The fertilizer I have in my garden shed states that I need to mix 5 ml or 1 teaspoon of water soluble powder in 1 liter of water and feed once per month. There is a little scoop in the container that has a 15 ml measurement (1 tablespoon) on one end a 5 ml (1 teaspoon) on the other. So...50 ml or 3 big scoops plus one little one in my 10 liter watering can once per month.

I prefer to feed my planters once a week to give them a constant supply of nutrients. I mix 1/2 of a big scoop (about 12 ml) in my watering can every week. Other days when I water, I just use the hose. You can look at your mixing rate and use your fertilizer 1/4 strength every week.

If you have an event coming up and want to really give the flowers a push to bloom spectacularly, a week before the party, give your planters a full strength feed.  I did this last year before my son's wedding and all the pots looked wonderful!

Just as a word of caution though, don't assume more is better! Using twice the amount of fertilizer recommended on the package at one time can burn tender leaves, stems and roots. Plants with damaged roots may collapse, leaving you with very sad looking containers.