April In The Garden
Hello April.
The days are warmer, the soil is workable from the winter rains and plants are ready to grow. There is much to do in the garden this time of year – from finishing pruning to getting your soil ready for new plantings. Here are some of the things you should be working on in your garden this month.
Maintenance and soil care
Start the month by cleaning up the garden and preparing your soil for the growing season.
If you haven’t done so already, finish any pruning and deadheading for maximum spring growth. You can clean up your winter annuals to extend their life before planting your next round of color. Cleaning up any frost-damaged parts of perennials will help them flush out new growth. Existing shrubs can be lightly pruned and shaped.
While you likely haven’t had to use your irrigation much this winter, now is the time to check your sprinkler heads and drip systems so you can address any problems before the summer heat.
To help retain moisture and also keep the weeds down, it’s a good time to refresh mulch. Two to three inches are recommended as the most beneficial. Adding soil amendments and compost to beds and containers will also help enrich your depleted soil.
Planting in April
April is one of the most versatile planting months of the year.
So what can you plant in April? Just about everything. There is nothing better than home-grown vegetables. Once nighttime temperatures stay consistently warmer, you can plant tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, squash, zucchini, cucumbers, beans, corn and melons.
Dahlias are one of the most rewarding summer bloomers and April is the perfect time to plant tubers. With proper sun and regular feeding, dahlias will produce vibrant blooms from midsummer through fall.
Summer annuals such as impatiens, marigolds, cosmos and zinnias are just waiting to provide your garden with blooms through the summer. Soft, workable soil makes spring the perfect time to plant trees and shrubs you’d like to add to your landscape.
Hungry plants
Plants are waking up and need nutrients to fuel their spring growth.
April is when plants shift from slow winter growth into their main spring growing season. As temperatures warm and days lengthen, plants begin producing new leaves, roots and flowers.
This process requires a steady supply of nutrients. Feeding in April replenishes nutrients that winter rains may have washed out of the soil and gives vegetables, roses, citrus and flowering plants the energy they need for strong growth.
Providing fertilizer or compost now helps plants establish quickly and sets the foundation for better blooms, healthier foliage and higher yields through the growing season.
Final thoughts
Gardening in April is all about growth – tending to what was dormant over the winter and preparing for new plantings. Enjoy the warmer weather, but still hope for a few spring rains. That extra moisture helps roots grow deeper and allows plants to absorb nutrients.
Your hometown, third generation McDonnell Nursery knows the area and what to plant, prune and feed. Stop by at 196 Moraga Way, Orinda, call 925.254.3713 or email info@mcdonnellnursery.com.
