Refer to Frost Map
First tip- don't get ahead of your frost zone! Check out your area for the best time to plant (or whatever your chore) to ensure the best success.
The gardening tips for April are for Southern gardens. However, you can use these tips in your area- here is the trick!
Determine your frost zone first. Lets say that you live in an area where last year's frost occurred between April 30 to May 30 (the green zone). That means you have at least a few more weeks to plan. Your gardening schedule follows the Southern schedule by the difference in the Frost Map.
It is not too late to move bare root plants. If you can work the ground (free of ice), you can still relocate these. After your perennials have bloomed out, this would be a good time to divide the ones that have become crowded and effected their growth or blooming.
Speaking of Spring bloomers, like azaleas, wait until they have bloomed out before fertilizing. Fertilization brings about new growth which will push off the blooms prematurely. Be patient and enjoy the blooms while you have them.
Follow the planting instructions on seed packs if you are planting corn, peas, beans, etc. Again, patience! The soil needs to warm after the last frost in order for the seed to germinate. Seed germinate best between a soil temperature of 40 and 60 degrees F for warm weather plants. It can take a while for the soil to warm depending on weather conditions.
I'll talk about annuals, mulching, prunning, and maybe more.
Till next time,
Poppy
Absolutly true, not to late to move a few things around, and trust me we have done just that. Several of our plants have outgrown their intended area. Not that, that is a bad thing though. Denise has shown me the mulching way by the way. I discovered that I wasnt applying it thick enough. Of course, I was shown the appropriate method..lol. I would really like to prune back our large camelia, and have even thought about a little topiary. Is that something that could be accomplished with the camelia? I have the thought of training the blooms to form various shapes. Let me know what you think. Looking forward to more helpful hints.
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