GARDEN CALENDAR

April list of what to do in the garden.

Lawn

• Apply preemergent crabgrass control by April 15 for best results.

• Remove winter debris, leaves, and twigs from the lawn before the first mowing.

• Check mowers before starting. Change the oil, clean the air filter, and sharpen the blade.

• Set mower one notch lower than usual to remove brown leaf tips, do not scalp.

• Mow bluegrass and tall fescue at 3 inches, removing no more than 1/3 of the leaf blade.

• Let the grass clippings fall unless piling up on the turf.

• Spot seed to fill in bare areas by midmonth.

• Avoid the temptation to mow or fertilize zoysia lawns until May.

• Spot treat for broadleaf weed control.

• Do not water unless experiencing a severe drought or applying chemicals.

Vegetables

• Prepare soil for spring planting; avoid working wet soil.

• Soil test to determine fertility needs.

• Fertilize soil and add organic matter for improvements.

• In early April, plant salad crops such as carrots, beets, onions, lettuce, and spinach.

• Thin salad crops to add space for development.

• Add perennial vegetables to the garden, like asparagus and rhubarb.

• Begin asparagus harvest and continue until spear size decreases.

• Plant cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower very early in the month for the best yield.

• Plant beans, corn, and other crops in late April.

• Control weed growth in the garden with light cultivation and mulch.

• Turn compost pile to increase breakdown.

Fruits

• Begin fruit tree spray programs.

• Prune fruit trees if the task is not already complete.

• Plant new fruit trees.

• Plant small fruits such as strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries.

• Prune raspberries and blackberries.

• Prune grapevines.

• Remove winter mulch from the strawberry bed.

• Avoid using insecticides during bloom time on fruits to protect honeybees.

• Fertilize fruit planting.

Trees And Shrubs

• Plant new trees and shrubs.

• Fertilize young plants for added growth.

• Apply mulch around the base of trees and shrubs.

• Water newly planted trees and shrubs as needed.

• Prune trees and shrubs, except those that bloom early in the spring.

• Remove suckers and other shoots from the trunks of trees.

• Mulch around young trees as grass removal can double the growth rate.

Flowers

• Prepare soil for planting. Add organic matter and fertilizer.

• Remove winter mulch from perennial gardens.

• Cut back last season’s growth on perennials.

• Fertilize spring flowering bulbs before bloom for best results.

• Remove seed heads from spring flowering bulbs.

• Leave foliage on bulbs until it dies back naturally.

• Plant or divide perennials.

• Plant new roses.

• Fertilize and prune roses.

• Transplant or seed cool-season annuals such as pansies or snapdragons.

Houseplants

• Repot overgrown plants by increasing pot size by 1 inch.

• Clean leaves with warm water and a soft cloth to remove dust and improve light.

• Prune plants to shape and promote new growth.

• Begin fertilization for summer growth.

• Remove spent leaves and flowers.

• Start new plants by divisions or cuttings.

• Resist the temptation to move plants outdoors until nighttime temps remain above 60 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.