April
in the Garden
Check the plants under the eaves of the house and under tall evergreens to see that they are getting sufficient moisture. Any container plantings that are outside should also be checked.
Now is the time to select and plant fruit trees and berry plants (be sure to plant them in full sun).
Plant your asparagus, rhubarb, and horseradish now. Peas, carrots, beets, cauliflower, spring onions, radishes, etc. should be in the ground now also. Other crops can wait a while--especially the warm-weather vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, etc.
Plant your summer-flowering bulbs now also. The more delicate ones, like tuberous begonias and cannas, should wait until May.
Re-pot any geraniums and fuchsias that were wintered-over. Feed them for 3 weeks or so. That way they will be strong and ready to set out when it is warm enough.
Trees, shrubs, perennials, and hardy annuals can all be planted now.
You can continue pruning evergreens this month.
Check all your lawn and garden tools to be sure they are clean, sharp, and in good shape before the yard-work season starts.
Keep an eye out for early weeds!
For more detailed information on gardening and lawn care in your area, contact:
http://www.yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu or your county extension office
Iowa Master Gardener Program (Call us with your questions 10am to noon and 1-4:30pm, M-F--515-294-3108, or contact us via e-mail: hortline@iastate.edu)
Your local garden center.
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