Considering all the cold and wet weather we have had, and evidently will continue to have for at least the first half of April, I could easily just refer you to my gardening to-do lists for February and March and you would probably be just fine.
For myself, I am easily two to three weeks behind schedule, especially in my vegetable garden where I would have loved to have had my cool-season veggies planted by now. I have to keep reminding myself that there is still plenty of time.
One of the most frequently asked questions I get this time of year is, “Is it too late to prune?” The answer is unequivocal: “No, it is not too late to prune.” You can still prune your fruit trees, vines, shrubs and roses or whatever else looks like it needs to be whipped into shape.
I have pruned roses as late as mid-April and cut off considerable new growth without having a deleterious effect on them. In fact, one of the benefits of pruning roses late is that the aphids go to everyone else’s roses first while mine are still leafing out.
Here are a few more pointers for the month:
Roses: Feed them with an organic rose food, such as E.B. Stone Organics’ Rose and Flower Food, and if you are feeling generous, add a handful of lime, Epsom salt and alfalfa meal around each rose and scratch it into the soil. There are lots of options for controlling insects and disease, so whether you choose natural or synthetic, do some prevention now. Don’t forget to plant a few new roses, too.
Lawns: April is the month to resurrect an ugly lawn or plant a new one. Make it happen this month. Your local garden center can help you figure it out.
Perennials: You will find a good selection of early blooming perennials in the nurseries this time of year. When planting any plant, consider using some Liquinox Start. It contains several nutrients, along with yucca extract, and is cheap insurance in my book. I haveused this product for more than 60 years and wouldn’t garden without it. And, of course, don’t forget the compost and fertilizer.
Bulbs: It’s time to plant summer-blooming bulbs such as dahlias, gladiolas and lilies. Add bone meal to the hole when planting. It contains 15 percent phosphorus that helps root growth.
Weeds: A Hula Hoe and some mulch almost always does the trick.
Landscaping: Once the soil is dry enough to work, it is fine to get going on landscape projects. Remember that while the fun part might be the plants, the most important part of a successful landscape is in the groundwork and drainage. If you spend the time and money to install good soil and proper drainage, everything else will naturally fall into place.
Annuals: I know it’s hard to believe but I am already seeing sweet alyssum, lobelia and million bells on the tables in the nursery. While some of these will take cold temperatures, don’t try to plant geraniums, begonias or marigolds yet (even if you do see them at Costco). Save your money for when the soil is warmer.
If the sun comes out, take a mental health day so you can stay home and work in the garden — you’ll be glad you did.
Steve Smith is owner of Sunnyside Nursery in Marysville and can be reached online at info@sunnysidenursery.net.
Two free classes this weekend
A classw on beneficial bugs at 10 a.m. Saturday is followed by a class on vivacious vines at 11 a.m. Sunday at Sunnyside Nursery, 3915 Sunnyside Blvd., Marysville. For more information, go to www.sunnysidenursery.net.
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