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Well spring at last. It's wonderful to be able to get in the garden, a couple of nice sunny days and I have a full-blown case of 'Spring Fever'.
In fact I have probably already purchased more than my fair share of primulas, or primroses as they are often called. Their vibrant colors liven up any room of the house and I like to use them in small potted arrangements on the sun deck. One of the nice things about them is that you can plant them in the garden after they are finished flowering and they will flower again, usually more than once.
If you haven't already, you should prune your fruit trees now. Wait a bit before pruning roses though, a hard late frost can damage them if you prune too hard too soon. April is also the month to sow or plant early potatoes, cabbage, cauliflower etc. Planting early helps to eliminate problems with some of the insects that harm them, like cabbage worm etc. Sow early vegetables, spinach, carrots, peas etc, as soon as the soil can be worked. A tip for planting lettuce; lower leaves of lettuce can trap moisture and rot, try spreading a layer of clean sand around lettuce plants when they're young to prevent problems.
If you have trouble with seed germination because the soil keeps drying out try this tip I read about. After direct-sowing seeds in the garden, spread a single or double thickness of natural burlap over the seeded area then water it well. Between watering, the surface of the burlap will dry out, but the underside will remain moist, providing good germinating conditions. Leave the burlap in place until the sprouts break ground.
Start to uncover tender perennials and roses that have been mulched for winter protection.
Dormant oil and lime sulfur sprays should be done on roses and fruit trees while the leaves are still partly in bud, and before they open. I find lime sulfur is a good preventative for fungus like powdery mildew, black spot and peach leaf curl.
If you are brave and do grafting or budding this is usually done in April once the sap starts running.
If you just can't wait to start one or two pots of flowers, try planting a tub with perennials. A mixture of lavender, ivy, Heucheras, pansies, and any early flowering perennials will make a lovely arrangement. You can plant the early bloomers in the garden after they are finished and replace them with some flowering annuals once the weather permits. Just use your imagination.
Lindi Karmason for Lake Country Gardens
Varieties of Philadelphus or Mockorange
Timely Tips
Gardening With Herbs
Fall in Its Entire Splendor
The Fall Garden
Lavender
Dog Daze of Summer
Gardening With Herbs
Gardening Tips & Tricks
Creating a Showcase Container Garden |
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