Corn gluten prevents the roots of seedling weeds from developing. Without root formation, the weed dies from a lack of water since roots deliver water to the rest of the weed. Meadows Farms recommends Espoma Organic Weed Preventer plus Lawn Food. It should be applied at a rate of 20 pounds per 1,000 square feet. It is important to follow the application rate listed on the bag, using a broadcast spreader to make sure you get even coverage. Apply corn gluten before a rain or water in after application. The application should be done during times of seed germination. Another application in the fall will help control dandelions. Corn gluten will not kill weeds that are already growing

Espoma Organic Weed Preventer plus Lawn Food control 23 types of weeds. It is recommended to apply on a regular schedule. Long term studies show increased weed control if it is applied twice annually. Do not use corn gluten if you are seeding or over-seeding your lawn.

Corn gluten can be used in planting beds to help control weeds. It is completely natural and is safe to use around children and pets.

Benefits of using organic corn gluten

• Prevents dandelions, crabgrass & other common weeds
• Children & pets can play on lawns immediately after application.
• It provides long-lasting greening that won’t burn.
• Made from 100% pure granulated corn gluten.

Download Corn Gluten Fact Sheet

*Fact Sheet Provided by Espoma Organic

The post Learn About Corn Gluten appeared first on Meadows Farms Nurseries and Landscaping.

1. Keeps Weeds Under Control

In my opinion, the most unenjoyable and labor-intensive part of maintaining a garden is weeding. So many hot, humid days in the middle of summer trashing my knees and straining my back trying to pull the fifty-thousand varieties of weeds that invade the garden and rob precious moisture from my plants. Applying mulch is a great way to limit weed growth and save yourself a lot of time and effort later. Mulch blocks light and air from the soil surface, hindering weed growth. It won’t eliminate all weeds, but it will undoubtedly keep numbers under control.

If you’re looking for even more weed protection, apply a weed preventer such as Preen or Espoma Organic Corn Gluten. The pre-emergents will keep any new weeds from taking root, giving your mulched beds an extra layer of protection. You can apply these at the same time that you are mulching and several times throughout the season for best results.

2. Prevents Soil Erosion

Heavy rains can cause erosion in the topsoil of your gardens, which not only limits the amount of soil available but also leeches vital nutrients from the earth that your plants need. Applying mulch in the spring helps keep erosion in check and protects the health of your soil.

3. Regulates Soil Temperature

Mulch is excellent for controlling soil temperatures and protecting your plant’s root systems throughout the growing season. In the heat of the Virginia summers, mulch will help to keep the soil cool by retaining moisture and limiting harsh sunlight. During the dead of winter, mulch will help insulate plant roots from the cold so that they can continue growing strong even if your plants above ground have gone dormant.

4. Enriches the Soil

Throughout the spring, mulch will break down and degrade, which is great for your plants. This process will add nutrients to enhance not only the earth but also attract beneficial insects like earthworms which help improve the quality of the soil as well.

5. Keeps Plants Moist

I know, this has not been a big problem for the Virginia area throughout the last year. But in typical weather conditions, plants can quickly dry out, especially during our long, humid summer months. A fresh three-inch layer of mulch applied in the spring will help prevent water supplied by your watering efforts and from Mother Nature from rapidly evaporating, keeping moisture on the plant longer. This extra moisture will allow for less intensive watering demands each day.

Get Mulch From Your Local Meadows Farms

If you’re ready to start mulching, purchase some mulch from your local Meadows Farms in VA, MD, WV, or DC. You can also check if we have mulch in stock in our online store!

The post Top 5 Reasons to Mulch Your VA Garden This Spring appeared first on Meadows Farms Nurseries and Landscaping.

When to Start Your Seeds in the Mid-Atlantic

Here in the Mid-Atlantic, including Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and DC, seeding should start 6-8 weeks before our last frost date—usually late February through mid-March for most of our region.

Materials You Need

To start seeds, there is a vast array of seed-starting supplies from which to choose. Peat pellets, compressed peat that expands when soaked in water, make excellent little ‘pots’ just right for planting two or three seeds. The mesh covering on the outside of the pellet allows new roots to show, alerting you when it’s time to move the seedling to a larger container. There are also plastic trays that come with removable cells in which to start seeds. Some even come with greenhouse lids available. If you use trays, be sure to use a sterile seed starting soil to start. Seed starting soil mixes are finely textured and moisture retentive, ideal for tiny fragile seed roots.

Peat pots, made of pressed peat fibers, are great to have on hand when it’s time to transplant seedlings. Most pots range in size from two and a half inches to around four, allowing you the flexibility to move seedlings up as needed. And because the pressed peat in bio-degradable, you don’t have to remove the seedlings from the pot when it’s time to move outside. Just plant pot and all.

Seed Starting Process: Step-by-Step

This section outlines the basics of seed starting and may not include all necessary information needed for specific seeds. We recommend that you check your seed packets for more information.

1. Wet your soil and spoon it into your seed-starting containers.
2. Read the seed pack instructions and determine the plant depth.
3. Insert seeds gently into the soil. Add a layer of potting soil to cover the seeds.
4. Use a mister to water in the new seeds. Be sure the soil always stays moist.
5. Place the container on a layer of newspaper in a very sunny window.*
6. Cover the pot with a clear plastic top or plastic wrap until the seeds sprout.
7. Check the seedlings daily and mist as needed.
8. After about eight weeks, harden them off by putting them outside for a few hours each day on a sunny porch and increasing their exposure time a bit every day.
9. After about two weeks of hardening, transplant your “babies” outside.

Please note: Some plants germinate in the dark. Check your seed packet for detailed instructions.

Light Levels

Most seedlings need ample sunlight or grow lights positioned 4-18 inches above them for 16-18 hours daily. Check your seed packets for specific light needs.

Direct-Sow Options

Some vegetables like beans, peas, cucumbers, and root crops are best sown directly into your garden after the last frost. Always refer to the seed packet for proper planting instructions.

Let’s Get Growing

At Meadows Farms, we have everything you need to start your seeds—quality supplies and expert advice. Visit any of our 15+ locations across the Mid-Atlantic today to stock up and get personalized tips for your best garden yet!

The post When and How to Start Seeds Indoors in Virginia appeared first on Meadows Farms Nurseries and Landscaping.

Flower & Perennial Care

• Tend to Spring Bulbs: Cut back spent tulip and daffodil blooms, but leave the foliage to allow energy to return to the bulbs. Divide and replant overcrowded daffodils.
• Support Growing Plants: Provide stakes or cages for fast-growing perennials like delphiniums, peonies, and lilies. Tie up clematis and other climbing vines.
• Deadhead Spent Blooms: Remove faded flowers from annuals and perennials to encourage continued blooming.
• Divide & Share Perennials: If plants are overcrowded, divide and replant them, or share with fellow gardeners.
• Fertilize When Needed: Apply a slow-release fertilizer to roses, azaleas, rhododendrons, and new plantings—but do so sparingly to avoid overfeeding.

Vegetable Garden Tasks

• Start Planting Warm-Season Crops: Direct sow squash, melon seeds, and annual flowers. Plant seedlings or direct-sow tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and sweet potatoes.
• Protect Young Plants: Use cages or stakes for tomatoes and peppers at planting time to avoid root disturbance later. Prevent cutworms by placing a collar (like a cardboard tube or cat food can) around tender seedlings.
• Boost Soil Health: Add crushed eggshells to tomato planting holes for extra calcium and mix lime into the surrounding soil to prevent blossom-end rot. Fertilize with kelp extract or fish emulsion.
• Thin Seedlings: If you started seeds last month, thin them out and begin the hardening-off process before transplanting.
• Hand-Pick Pests: Remove cabbage worms from cabbage and broccoli before they cause serious damage.

General Garden Maintenance

• Water Wisely: Check newly planted trees, shrubs, and perennials regularly and water as needed. Monitor pots and containers daily for moisture.
• Control Pests & Diseases: Hose off aphids, whiteflies, or spider mites on roses and perennials. Look for signs of black spot on roses and remove affected leaves—never compost them. Apply neem oil fungicide every two weeks as a preventative.
• Weed Regularly: Stay ahead of weeds before they take over.
• Turn Your Compost: Keep your compost pile active by turning it regularly.

Landscape & Outdoor Projects

• Prune Early-Spring Bloomers: Trim forsythia, spirea, and other shrubs that have finished blooming.
• Start or Refresh a Water Garden: Spring is the perfect time to set up a new water garden or clean and refresh an existing one.
• Monitor for Mosquito Breeding Areas: Eliminate standing water in pots, gutters, or any outdoor items. Use mosquito dunks in water-collecting areas.

Enjoy Your Garden!

• Take a Local Garden Tour: See what’s thriving in nearby home gardens and get inspired.
• Bring the Outdoors In: Cut fresh flowers for small arrangements throughout your home.
• Document Your Garden: Mark and photograph your bulb plantings while they are still visible to plan for next season.

Need Help Getting Started? Visit Us for Expert Advice and Supplies!

With 15+ locations across three states, Meadows Farms is nearby and ready to help. Our expert team can guide you through plant selection, pest control, and garden planning. Stop by today and get everything you need for a beautiful spring garden!

The post Your Yearly Spring Gardening Checklist for Virginia appeared first on Meadows Farms Nurseries and Landscaping.

Whether you’re planting an expansive flower bed or just adding a few pops of color, we have options fit for every yard:

• Flats of bedding plants (32 plugs each) – Ideal for covering large areas with vibrant blooms.
• Six-inch potted annuals – Perfect for filling in gaps or creating focal points with more mature plants.

How to Garden with Bedding Plants

Soil Preparation

For healthy, long-lasting blooms, start with nutrient-rich soil. Mix a blend of quality topsoil, organic garden soil, and compost into your flower beds, working it into a depth of four to six inches. Level the soil before planting to create an even surface.

Planting Techniques

• For peat pot plants: Plant them directly into the soil, pot and all.
• For tray-grown plants: Gently remove them from containers, separating them as evenly as possible.
• Mulching Tip: Apply a two-inch layer of shredded mulch before planting—it’s easier than working around delicate plants later.
• Spacing: Place plants six to eight inches apart, keeping them at the same depth they were growing in their tray.
• Boost Growth: Use a nutrient-rich planting mix and a starter fertilizer to encourage strong root development and minimize transplant shock.

Watering

When first planted, if the weather is hot, sunny, or windy, plants should be watered at least once a day. Do this for a week or until the leaves do not wilt between waterings. After that, or when the weather is cooler, once a week should be enough. In hot weather, every three to four days may be necessary.

Additional Care Tips

To encourage fuller growth, pinch the tops of young plants when they reach about six inches tall. Regular feeding with a balanced plant fertilizer every other week will help maintain continuous blooms throughout the season. Additionally, using an all-purpose insect control method will protect your plants from unwanted pests and keep your garden thriving.

Bedding Plant Varieties Available at Meadows Farms

Remember, the bedding plants listed below are just a selection of the varieties that Meadows Farms carries. Please call your local Meadows Farms for other varieties or special requests.

The post The Best Bedding Plants for Summers in Virginia appeared first on Meadows Farms Nurseries and Landscaping.

When To Prune…

Needled Evergreen Plants:

These are best pruned in the spring just before or during their period of strong growth. These plants include:

• Hemlocks
• Yews
• Arborvitae
• Cypress
• Pine
• Spruce
• Junipers

Special Note: In the spring, spruce and pine trees produce “candle-growth” on which the new needles sprout. Pruning is best done when this growth is at about half of its normal length.

Early Spring-Blooming Plants

These plants set their flower buds in July/August. To prune them after this time is to cut off next year’s flowers. They are best pruned just after they bloom as they have just put out their new growth. These plants include:

• Azaleas
• Rhododendron
• Saucer Magnolia
• Forsythia

Summer Flowering Plants

These are best pruned in late winter to stimulate optimal growth which will result in a great flower show. These flowers include:

• Roses
• Crape Myrtle
• Hydrangea
• Althea

“Bleeding” Trees

Some Trees tend to “bleed” if they are pruned in late winter. While this is actually harmless, you may want to wait until early fall to avoid this situation. These trees include:

• Maples
• Birch
• Beech

How to Prune Winter-Damaged Plants

• Use Sharp Tools for Clean Cuts: Always use sharp pruning shears or a saw to avoid rough cuts that can invite pests and disease. Dull tools leave jagged scars that make plants vulnerable.
• Choose the Right Bud Direction: When pruning, cut just above a bud that faces the direction you want new growth to follow. This helps shape the plant as it regrows.
• Pruning Small Branches: Small branches are easily trimmed with pruning or lopping shears. Position the cutting blade on the side closest to the trunk for a clean, flush cut that heals quickly.
• Removing Large Limbs: For larger branches, use a two- or three-cut method to prevent bark tearing. Avoid leaving stubs, as they can slow healing. Make clean, precise cuts, and apply a pruning sealer if necessary to protect exposed areas.
• Shaping Hedges: For full, healthy hedges, shape them so that the base is wider than the top. This allows sunlight to reach lower branches, promoting even growth from top to bottom and reducing the risk of disease.

Get Help From Our Landscaping Experts

Meadows Farms landscaping team offers expert tree and shrub care including pruning services. With over 60 years in business, our team is happily serving residents in Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and the Washington D.C. Metro Area.

The post Spring Pruning 101: When & How to Prune in Virginia appeared first on Meadows Farms Nurseries and Landscaping.

May Blooming Perennials For The Shade

• False Spirea (Astilbe)
• Columbine (Aquilegia)
• Bugleweed (Ajuga)
• Bugloss (Brunnera)
• Corydalis
• Bleeding Heart (Dicentra)
• Coral Bells (Heuchera)
• Dead Nettle (Lamium )
• Mazus
• Jacob’s Ladder (Polemonium)
• Saxifraga
• Spiderwort (Tradescantia)
• Heartthrob Violet (Viola)

May Blooming Perennials For The Sun

• Yarrow (Achillea)
• Blue Star Flower (Amsonia)
• Marguerite Daisy (Anthemis)
• Sea Pink/Sea Thrift (Armeria)
• False Indigo (Baptisia)
• Clematis
• Tickseed (Coreopsis)
• Ice Plant (Delosperma)
• Carnation/Pinks (Dianthus)
• Foxglove (Digitalis)
• Coneflower (Echinacea)
• Sanddune Wallflower/Prairie Rocket (Erysimum)
• Spurge (Euphorbia)
• Gaura
• Geranium (Hardy Geranium)
• Avens (Geum)
• Lavender
• Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum)
• Catmints (Nepeta)
• Showy Primrose (Oenothera)
• Balloon Flower (Platycodon)
• Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia)
• Sage (Salvia)
• Pincushion Flower (Scabiosa)
• Catchfly (Silene)
• Narroleaf Blue-Eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium)
• Verbena
• Speedweed (Veronica)

Shop at Our Local Mid-Atlantic Garden Centers

Whether you have shady corners or sun-drenched spaces, we have perennials to bring your garden to life. Visit any of our 17 garden center locations across Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland today to see these stunning plants in person and get expert advice from our team of professionals.

The post Virginia Flowers That Bloom in May appeared first on Meadows Farms Nurseries and Landscaping.

Preparing Soil for Grass Seed

• Clear the planting area of all debris.
• Rototill the topsoil to improve aeration and drainage.
• dd nutrient-rich topsoil, such as Meadows Farms Topsoil, to promote strong root growth. (One cubic yard covers approximately 100 square feet at 3 inches deep.)
• Rake the area smooth for even seed distribution.
• Balance soil pH with a product like Fastlime, ensuring optimal conditions for seed germination. (We recommend 30 pounds per 5,000 square feet)

Choosing a Grass Seed

Choosing the right seed is crucial for your lawn’s success.

• Fescue grass seed is ideal for the Mid-Atlantic region, offering durability and adaptability to various conditions.
• Popular options like Pennington Smart Seed and Rebels Tall Fescue provide excellent drought tolerance and vibrant color.

Not sure which seed is best? Visit your local Meadows Farms Garden Center for expert advice and quality products.

Plant the Seed

• Use a broadcast spreader to distribute the grass seed at the rate of 6 pounds per 1000 square foot
• Spread evenly
• Gently rake, working seed into the soil about 1/4″
• Apply a thin layer of straw

Watering New Seed

• Water daily to keep the soil consistently moist.
• Ensure the top ½ inch of soil never dries out until seedlings fully germinate.
• Once the grass is established, reduce watering to ½ inch twice a week.
• Mow when the grass reaches 3-4 inches in height for a clean, healthy cut.

Let Meadows Farms Help You Achieve the Perfect Lawn!

Skip the guesswork and let our experts handle your lawn care needs. From grass seed selection and planting to seasonal maintenance, Meadows Farms offers professional lawn care services tailored to your landscape. Contact us today for a free estimate and give your lawn the expert care it deserves!

The post When & How to Plant Grass Seed for a Healthy Virginia Lawn appeared first on Meadows Farms Nurseries and Landscaping.

Step 1: Prevent Crabgrass

Apply a quality pre-emergent weed preventer (we like Pennington’s Crabgrass Preventer) with fertilizer in early spring to stop crabgrass before it takes root. Time your application just before spring blooms, like forsythias, begin to fade for best results.

Step 2: Fertilize for Healthy Growth

Feed your lawn with a well-balanced lawn fertilizer, like Pennington’s Lawn Food to promote rich green color and strong, healthy growth. Always follow product guidelines for proper application.

Step 3: Control Weeds While Feeding Your Lawn

Broadleaf weeds like dandelions and clover can be controlled by using Pennington’s Weed and Feed. This product kills weeds by feeding healthy grass AND attacking weeds with herbicides designed to be safe for grass.

Step 4: Protect Against Lawn Pests

Apply an insect control treatment in late spring or early summer to prevent damage from grubs and other lawn pests. Choose from organic options or season-long control solutions based on your needs.

Let Meadows Farms Take Care of Your Lawn!

Keeping your lawn green and healthy doesn’t have to be time-consuming. Meadows Farms offers professional lawn renovation services, including aeration, overseeding, topdressing, and more so you can enjoy a beautiful yard without the hassle.

Contact Meadows Farms today for a lawn maintenance quote and keep your landscape looking its best all year long!

The post Your 4-Step Guide to Simple Spring Lawn Care in Virginia appeared first on Meadows Farms Nurseries and Landscaping.

April Blooming Perennials For The Shade

• Columbine (Aquilegia)
• Bellflower (Campanula)
• Corydalis
• Bleeding Hearts (Dicentra)
• Sweet Woodruff (Galium)
• Hellebores (Lenten Rose / Christmas Rose)
• Coral Bells (Heuchera)
• Dead Nettle (Lamium)
• Forget-Me-Not (Myosotis)
• Jacob’s Ladder (Polemonium)
• Lungwort (Pulmonaria)
• Foam Flower (Tiarella)
• Saxifraga
• Heartthrob Violet (Viola)

April Blooming Perennials For The Sun

• Marguerite Daisy (Anthemis)
• Sea Pink/Sea Thrift (Armeria)
• Ice Plant (Delosperma)
• Carnation/Pinks (Dianthus)
• Sanddune Wallflower/Prairie Rocket (Erysimum)
• Spurge (Euphorbia)
• Geranium (Hardy Geranium)
• Avens (Geum)
• Catmints (Nepeta)
• Showy Primrose (Oenothera)
• Creeping Phlox/Moss Phlox (Phlox subulata)
• Sage (Salvia)
• Pincushion Flower (Scabiosa)
• Catchfly (Silene)
• Narroleaf Blue-Eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium)
• Pea Bush (Thermopsis)
• Verbena

Shop Our Local Mid-Atlantic Garden Centers

Whether you prefer sun-drenched spaces or shady corners, we have the perfect perennials to bring your garden to life. Visit any of our 17 garden center locations across Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland today to see these beautiful plants in person and get expert advice from our knowledgeable staff.

The post Virginia Flowers That Bloom in April appeared first on Meadows Farms Nurseries and Landscaping.