Hello Spring! April heralds in more consistent, warming temperatures. As daylight hours continue to increase, the soil is warming up and signs of growth are everywhere. The birds and bees are out and about, the feathered kind digging up worms and young vegetable seedlings if they are not protected. Bee activity can be seen around the early spring blossoms of cherry, magnolia and pear, as well as grape hyacinths. It is time to get serious about the upcoming growing season!
garden Borders and beyond
You can still dig up and divide perennials, which should all be showing signs of life as the weather warms up. Pay attention to slug control around hostas as the slugs love the young tender unfurling leaves. As the hellebore flowers fade, you may wish to cut off the flowers, as most hellebores do not come true to type when self-seeded. Wait till late April before you mulch, so that you don't inadvertently bury a later emerging plant. Now is the time to put in your plant stakes for peonies and other herbaceous perennials that need support. The growing foliage will cover the supports.
Half-hardy annuals can be sown after the last frost, and tender annuals can be sown indoors to be planted out in May. Dahlia bulbs, if not started indoors in March, can still be started under cover. Wait until the weather warms up before planting out in late April or early May. Most of all, relish the moments as each plant awakens from its winter slumber. Keep up with the weeding, as they grow fast and furious in the warming weather.
in the vegetable patch
The growing season is on!
In the vegetable patch: By mid- to late-April our area should be free of frost. Peas, carrots, beets, alliums, cilantro, arugula, lettuce, Asian greens, radishes and turnips can all be sown directly, as long as your soil is not overly wet and can be worked. It is still not too late to put in potatoes in the first weeks of April.
Indoors: Late April is a good time to start vegetables for transplanting when the weather warms up in May. Squash, melons, cucumber and pumpkin can be started this month, as well as heat loving herbs such as basil.
For a detailed planting calendar, please refer to:
- Seattle Tilth's "The Maritime Northwest Garden Guide" book
- Oregon Tilth planting calendar
- Oregon extension service 's monthly calendar
- Washington State University extension service's information
AGC Plant Sale on May 9, 9 am to 2 pm
Plants raised by our members, as well as yard art and a bake sale! City Hall Plaza, Arlington, WA.