SHRUBS and TREES
There still is time
to plant trees and shrubs. However, by mid month it will be a little late to
transplant large trees or shrubs, so do them now.
The months of
March, April and May are ideal for pruning evergreens. So if you have a
Juniper, Cypress or conifer that need shearing or pruning this is a good time
to accomplish this task. Remove all dead, diseased, and undesirable wood.
However, do not prune back into the bare wood part of the plant.
Prune your
Forsythia after it finishes flowering.
Broadleaf and
needle leaf evergreens benefit most from lightly spreading a high nitrogen
fertilizer around their bases.
PERENNIALS, ANNUALS and BULBS
April is the month
for planting summer flowering bulbs like dahlias, gladiolas and lilies. Mix
bulb fertilizer, processed manure and peat moss into the planting soil.
Tuberous Begonias and Canna should not be set outdoors until all danger of
frost has passed, so wait until next month.
Plant annual seeds
of asters, cosmos, marigolds, zinnias in the garden.
When all frost
danger has passed you can move your stored fuchsias and geraniums outdoors.
Trim them back, feed and re-pot if necessary. Water them well.
When they have
finished blooming, you should deadhead your spring flowering bulbs. Do not cut
off the green foliage yet! These green leaves continue to grow for a few weeks,
and provide the bulb with food for flowering next year.
Divide perennials
like Daylilies, Delphiniums, iris, chrysanthemums, Daisies, and Phlox. The
additional plants you create can be traded or given to friends, or moved to a
new area of the garden.
Hybrid Tea Roses
should be fertilized prior to buds beginning to bloom. Using a systemic
fertilizer will help prevent insect infestation later in the summer, as it
feeds your rose.
Plant new
rosebushes before growth starts and buds swell.
If you have a pond
or pool you should set aquatic plants any time after the middle of the month.
FRUITS and VEGGIES
Control weeds and
aerate the soil by cultivating between the rows of plants.
April is a great
time to select and plant fruit trees and berry plants. Fruits and berries do
best when planted in full sun.
Plant perennial
vegetables like asparagus, rhubarb, horseradish, etc. It's also time to plant
peas, carrots, beets, spinach, cauliflower, cabbage, etc. Root crops like
potatoes, radishes, parsnips and onions can be planted at anytime. Late this
month you can plant beans and corn. Warmer weather crops like tomatoes; squash,
cucumbers and peppers should not be planted until next month.
As your
direct-seeded crops sprout, be sure to keep them thinned out to avoid crowding.
Cut out all the
dead canes from your raspberry patch. The new canes that will bear this year's
fruit should have new, swollen buds along the edges. Thin these to five canes
per foot of row to allow good air circulation and prevent overcrowding.
When danger of
frost has passed, uncover strawberry beds and keep them well watered.
THE LAWN
The application of
a spring type of lawn fertilizer should perk up the lawn and improve its
over-all color and appearance. If there is moss growing in the lawn, use spring
lawn fertilizer that has the moss-killer included, so you can do both jobs in
one easy application.
Spring is also a
good time to thatch and over-seed the lawn. Thatch buildup can smother your
lawn and provide an environment for diseases. Remove thatch with a brisk raking,
or with a de-thatching machine. Over seeding will help fill-in the lawn and
deter the re-growth of moss and weeds. Use about one pound of quality grass
seed for every 300 square feet of lawn area. Apply a light compost or soil over
the seed to keep it moist and in place.
Aerating the lawn
will allow water to penetrate deeper into the lawn soil and reduce the need to
water during the dryer months ahead. Use a garden fork and punch holes over the
surface of your lawn.
As mowing becomes
necessary, be certain that the blade is sharp to prevent tearing the grass
tips. Set the blade on your lawnmower to cut the grass at 2 1/2 inches to avoid
scalping. (A mulching blade will eliminate the need to rake or bag the
clippings, prevent thatch buildup, and the clippings will provide food for the
lawn.)
Rotate your
houseplants so that each side receives its share of light, for even growth and
a balanced shape.
As the sun's rays
strengthen, some plants, such as African Violets, may need to be moved away
from a south-facing window to avoid leaf scorch.
Spring-cleaning
your plants will keep them beautiful and help to avoid diseases. Remove any
spent flowers, dead leaves or branches, or any yellowing leaves. Rinse the dust
from the leaves with the kitchen sprayer. Clean leaves allow the plant to
breathe!
Pinching back the
tips of foliage plants will stimulate new growth and make your plant fuller and
bushier.
If you keep a
Coleus as a houseplant you can still start cuttings for transplant to the
garden. Use a sharp clean knife to cut the stem just below a leaf node. Remove
the lowest leaves, dip the cut end into a rooting hormone and insert it into
some fresh, sterile potting soil. These cuttings will be ready to use as a
bright garden accent by early June.
ODDS and ENDS
Arbor Day- Plant a
tree.
Keep all
transplants well watered during dry spells.
Check the plants in
containers and those under the eaves of the house and under tall evergreens to
see that they are getting enough water.
If you receive
mail-order plants or can't resist the urge to pick up a few perennials before
you are ready, make a trench and heel them into the ground in a protected area.
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