APRIL: A Pivotal Month for Gardening

For most gardeners April is a pivotal month, marking the transition from the coolness of early spring to the warmth of approaching summer. This period offers an excellent opportunity to prepare your garden and begin sowing a variety of vegetables and flowers.

Vegetables to Start from Seed

UJAMAA SEEDS has a great collection of vegetables for you to start from seed.  Consider direct sowing seeds outdoors (soil temperature ~50°F) the following vegetables: Carrots, Radishes, Beets, Lettuce, Spinach, Kale, Swiss Chard, Turnips, Peas, and Arugula.

During April try starting the following vegetables from seed indoors (transplant after frost, typically 4-6 weeks): Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Cucumbers (start late April), Melons (including cantaloupe), Zucchini and other summer squashes, Basil and other herbs.

Flowers to Start from Seed

Introducing flowers into your garden not only adds aesthetic appeal but also attracts beneficial pollinators. Consider these options to direct sow from seed in April: Nasturtium, Calendula, Bachelor’s Button (Cornflower), Sunflowers, Sweet Peas, Cosmos, Poppies, and Zinnias (late April).

April General Gardening Tasks

Soil Preparation: Begin by testing your soil's pH and nutrient levels to determine if any amendments are needed. Incorporate organic matter like compost to enhance soil structure and fertility.

Tool Maintenance: Ensure your gardening tools are clean, sharp, and in good working condition. Properly maintained tools make gardening tasks more efficient and help prevent the spread of diseases.

Pruning and Cleanup: Remove dead or diseased branches from trees and shrubs to promote healthy growth. Clear away debris and weeds from garden beds to reduce competition for nutrients and minimize pest habitats.

Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around plants to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. However, avoid mulching too early, as it can trap cold in the ground.