Monthly Garden Tasks

Source: https://hgic.clemson.edu/this-month-in-your-garden-april-2023/

By Christopher Burtt

Spring is here, and that means lots of things can be done in the garden.

• Begin to apply fertilizer where needed based on soil test results.

• If a soil test has not been done, be sure to have one done to better guide the fertilizer needs of the plants.

• Start scouting the garden consistently, looking for any signs of disease, insect infestation, or nutrient deficiencies.

* Prune any spring flowering shrubs that have finished blooming. This includes Azaleas, Spirea, and Forsythia, as well as others.

Also, look for branches on trees and shrubs that are not flushing out, as this may indicate disease or dead branches, which can also be removed.

• Tender annuals can go in the ground now to fill in areas between shrubs and trees and liven up the garden for spring.

• You can also plant a variety of perennials.

• Many warm-season vegetables can go in the ground now the last chance of frost has passed.

• Be sure to plant vegetables according to the recommended planting date.

• Turfgrass should be greening up, so start scouting for any problem areas.

Do not apply fertilizers containing Nitrogen yet. Post-emergent herbicides can be applied once the turf is fully out of dormancy.

Turf can be sprigged or sodded now as the soil temperatures warm. Seeding should wait for soil temperatures to get above 70 °F.

• Winter weeds are mature now, and many are in flower. To reduce their spread, cut off their flowers before they produce seed.

The best method of controlling weeds in garden beds is to remove them consistently and often to stay on top of it.

• With the emergence of new growth and the applications of fertilizer, water needs will increase.

• Monitor the rainfall and supplement where needed.

• Be sure to water in the morning and avoid wetting the leaves of plants to avoid disease.

By Carmen Ketron

Prune shrubs that bloom on old wood as they finish spring blooming. Plants that flower in the spring or prior to May should be pruned immediately after flowering because most of these shrubs produce the following year’s blooms during the summer. Waiting to prune spring-blooming shrubs until the summer will result in cutting off many of the flower buds for the following spring. Use proper techniques when pruning. Start turning your compost pile to activate decomposition. As temperatures warm up, it is important to move materials from the outside of the pile to the center of the pile to encourage heat transfer and the breakdown of organic matter. If you don’t have a compost source, now is a great time to start a compost pile. If a traditional compost pile does not suit your situation, worm composting or lasagna gardening may be a good alternative. Start transplanting your warm-season vegetable starts now. Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, lettuce, and other greens can all be set out. Make sure the young plants are properly hardened off before putting them out in the garden. Direct seed warm-season vegetables into the garden soil. Cucumbers, leeks, potatoes, sweet corn, radishes, summer squash, turnips, and rutabagas can all be seeded in April. Mulch around plants as needed. Mulch around trees and shrubs for an attractive look that reduces watering needs and suppresses weed growth. Caution: Avoid creating mulch volcanoes.