April
garden calendar n TURF
• Apply crabgrass control by Tax Day for best results. • Be kind to the environment. Spot treat spring broadleaf weeds. • Mow based on spring growth, 3 inches is recommended for bluegrass and tall fescue. • Delay fertilizing zoysia until mid- to late-May. • Avoid fertilizing bluegrass and tall fescue in April for improved summer health. • Sharpen mower blade if not already done. • Repair mowers to reduce problems later. • Don’t bag it! Let the clippings fall, returning valuable nutrients. • Be water-wise; restrict watering now for increased summer resistance.
n VEGETABLES AND FRUITS
• Plant carrots, onions, beets and other salad crops. • Thin seedlings to recommended spacing to promote good growth. • Harvest asparagus until spear size decreases, about six to eight weeks. • Harvest rhubarb leaves by pulling. Remove seed stalks from rhubarb. • Prune fruits if not already done. • Plant fruit crops, tree fruits, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries and blueberries. • Remove mulch from strawberry bed. • Prune raspberry and blackberry plantings. • Plant asparagus and rhubarb. • Save the honey bees, avoid spraying pesticides when trees and plants are flowering. • Cultivate soil to control weed growth by dragging the hoe just below the surface. • Hasten the compost pile by turning. • Fertilize vegetable gardens before planting for good growth. • Spray fruit trees on a regular basis for insect- and disease-free fruit.
n TREES AND SHRUBS
• Prune spring-flowering shrubs after bloom to promote good flowering next year.
• Prune deciduous trees now for quick healing. • Plant new trees and shrubs, but do not plant too deep. • Mulch around the base of young trees and shrubs to conserve moisture and control weeds. • Water newly planted trees and shrubs on a regular basis. • Fertilize young trees to promote growth. • Check pine trees for needle diseases and control. • Remove dead or dying trees promptly to control insects and disease. • Never top a tree as part of a pruning program.
n FLOWERS
• Remove winter mulch from the perennial garden. • Cut back last year’s growth from perennials. • Remove mulch layers from roses. • Prune roses. • Plant new rose bushes. • Fertilize roses to promote strong growth and good flowers. • Remove seedpods from spring flowering bulbs. • Do not remove green foliage from bulbs to encourage good flowering next year. • Plant annuals from transplants or seed. • Divide overgrown perennials. • Improve garden soil by adding organic matter such as compost or peat moss. • Make notes of areas for planting of bulbs in fall. • Clean up ground covers by raking or mowing over the tops at highest setting.
n HOUSEPLANTS
• Remove winter dust from leaves with a damp cloth or by placing in the shower. • Repot older houseplants into a one-inch larger pot with fresh soil. • Start fertilizing for spring and summer growth. • Take cuttings of plants. • Fertilize amaryllis and keep in high light to encourage new leaves. • Do not move plants outdoors until nighttime temperatures remain above 55 degrees.
Johnson County K-State Research and Extension recommends environmentally-friendly gardening practices. This starts by identifying and monitoring problems. Cultural practices and controls are the best approach for a healthy garden. If needed, use physical, biological or chemical controls. Always consider the least toxic approach first. Dennis Patton is the horticulture agent for Johnson County K-State Research and Extension. For free information fact sheets, visit www.johnson.ksu.edu, or call the Extension office at 913-715-7000.
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