GARDEN BLOG

April Gardening Tips

//
Posted By
/
Categories
  • Mowing high weeds will lessen transpiration and still provide cover to slow down evaporation
  • Aerate lawns so that any water you can apply gets to the root zone
  • Broadleaf weed control in lawns (air temps between 65-85 degrees F) – less competition for water will help your lawn
  • 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 treat as needed – instead of using water to hose them off try using a small paint or parts brush
  • 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) in pots only – with water scarcity it may be more advisable to use high water using plants in pots
  • 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 irrigation options such as day restrictions and time of day restrictions
  • Follow the suggestions for watering from your water provider – you do not need to stop watering entirely!
  • Do not undertake any “hard” or rejuvenation based pruning – only prune dead branches, diseased branches and a few minor thinning cuts.  Do not encourage a lot of growth during drought
  • 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 after bloom
  • Begin thinning fruit on fruit trees – fewer fruit will use less water