Gardening in April
April is a tricky month for gardeners. Warmer, sunnier days encourage more activity in the garden and often lull the impatient among us into a false sense of security. The temptation to plant those summer crops is often hard to resist, but chilly nights and rogue frosts are still a very real threat until late in the month.
April Garden Tasks:
Weed and Mulch:
I can't stress it enough! Keeping on top of the weeds now will save tons of time and work later in the season.
Test You Soil:
Early April is a good time to test your soil for nutrient deficiencies since it still gives you time to make amendments before summer crops go in. You can send in a soil sample to your local county extension office for testing or purchase a testing kit from your local nursery or hardware store (I like this Test Kit).
I can't stress it enough! Keeping on top of the weeds now will save tons of time and work later in the season.
Test You Soil:
Early April is a good time to test your soil for nutrient deficiencies since it still gives you time to make amendments before summer crops go in. You can send in a soil sample to your local county extension office for testing or purchase a testing kit from your local nursery or hardware store (I like this Test Kit).
Seeds to Start Indoors in April:
Cucumbers, melons and squash - Start seeds no more than 4 weeks before outdoor planting time. Plant seeds 1 inch deep in individual cells or biodegradable pots.
Seeds and Starts to Plant in April:
Continue to plant arugula, beets, cabbage, carrots, lettuce, radishes and spinach every two weeks for continual harvests
Cucumbers, melons and squash - Start seeds no more than 4 weeks before outdoor planting time. Plant seeds 1 inch deep in individual cells or biodegradable pots.
Seeds and Starts to Plant in April:
Continue to plant arugula, beets, cabbage, carrots, lettuce, radishes and spinach every two weeks for continual harvests
Celery - Plant after all danger of frost is past. Harden off 1 week prior to planting. Plant 12-18 inches apart in fertile soil. Do not allow soil to completely dry out as celery likes lots of water. Using an olla or drip system is recommended in dry areas.
Cilantro - Plant seeds after all danger of frost is past. Space seeds 1-2 inches apart, thinning to 6 inches apart when plants are 3-4 inches tall. For continual harvest, make successive plantings every 2 weeks. Cilantro bolts easily in hot weather, so harvest and dry or freeze leaves if a hot stretch of weather is forecasted.
Strawberries - Plant after last expected frost date. Harden off starts 1 week prior to planting. Plant 12-18 inches apart in wide rows. Plant starts slightly above the level which they grew in the containers to avoid crown rot.
Cilantro - Plant seeds after all danger of frost is past. Space seeds 1-2 inches apart, thinning to 6 inches apart when plants are 3-4 inches tall. For continual harvest, make successive plantings every 2 weeks. Cilantro bolts easily in hot weather, so harvest and dry or freeze leaves if a hot stretch of weather is forecasted.
Strawberries - Plant after last expected frost date. Harden off starts 1 week prior to planting. Plant 12-18 inches apart in wide rows. Plant starts slightly above the level which they grew in the containers to avoid crown rot.
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