GARDEN BLOG

April Gardening Tips

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  • Mowing high weeds will lessen transpiration and still provide cover to slow down evaporation it will also reduce the amount of seeds produced
  • Aerate lawns for better infiltration of water and fertilizer. In heavy soils or poor performing turf, apply sand or compost into the holes left by the aeration process
  • Renovate lawns if drought emergency cancelled
  • Broadleaf weed control in lawns (air temps between 65-85 degrees F) – less competition for water will help your lawn’s vitality
  • Crabgrass pre-emergent application
  • Pick up and remove spent Camellia Blossoms and blemished (brown) blooms on plant
  • Cut back frost damage on plants (after danger of frost has passed)
  • Cut back tender perennials (Lantana, Mexican Sage) after danger of frost has passed
  • Inspect plants for Aphids and other early Spring pests and treat as needed – instead of using water to hose them off try using a small paint or parts brush. Use pesticides as a last resort
  • Fertilize Citrus w/citrus food (after danger of frost has passed) – edibles should be looked at as being valuable and given water to survive
  • Plant summer blooming bulbs (Begonias, Lilies, Dahlias, Gladiolas)
  • Plant summer annuals and vegetables – again edibles should be looked at as valuable and given enough water to grow but no more.
  • Eliminate standing water where Mosquitoes breed – use it to water orchard trees or woody ornamentals
  • Look to your local water provider for updates to irrigation options (if any) such as day restrictions and time of day restrictions
  • Undertake any “hard” or rejuvenation based pruning – keep in mind it is always better to make thinning cuts instead of heading cuts
  • When pruning look for dead branches, diseased branches and criss-crossing ones to cut first
  • Release beneficial insects for pest control
  • Apply deer repellant in deer prone areas
  • Begin control of Bermudagrass, Crabgrass and other noxious weeds
  • Hand weed in and around plants – this reduces competition for water
  • Begin training vines
  • Prune Spring flowering shrubs and bulbs after bloom
  • Perform a soil test and analysis to obtain a baseline of horticultural conditions