April is the month when, despite the showers, I have undampened optimism for the coming garden season. All is bright, on these sunny days.
IN THE GREENHOUSE/COLD FRAME
Move tender vegetable and herb plants to the greenhouse. Plant tomatoes into larger pots. Protect plants with a small heater or bring inside, if temperatures will drop below 40 degrees at night.
IN THE HERB GARDEN
Transplant February’s indoor herb seedlings or purchased larger plants, such as chives, dill, lavender, parsley, rosemary, and thyme.
Direct seed chervil, coriander, dill and fennel. Wait until the end of the month to seed basil.
Scuffle hoe around emerging perennials, to discourage emerging annual weed seeds.
IN THE VEGETABLE GARDEN
Harden off and transplant February’s indoor vegetable seedlings or purchased hardy plants. Don’t be fooled by the tomato and basil plants being hawked by the big boxes. They won’t thrive, even with protection, until the longer days and warmer soil.
Plant onion sets, shallot bulbs, and potatoes.
Direct seed Asian greens, beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, collards, fava beans, kale, kohlrabi, lettuce, parsnips, peas, radishes, salad greens, scallions, spinach, Swiss chard, turnips.
Scuffle hoe around emerging perennials, to discourage emerging annual weed seeds.
IN THE FLOWER GARDEN
Harden off and transplant February’s indoor flower seedlings or purchased plants.
Plant out potted canna, dahlias, gloxinia, arum lilies, achimenes, and tuberous begonias
Plant gladiola and lily bulbs.
Plant new perennials and divide older perennials. Layer shrubs and roses.
Plant shrubs. Hard prune buddleias, caryoteris, perovskia, and wisteria when new buds appear low on the branches.
Scuffle hoe around emerging perennials, to discourage emerging annual weed seeds.
IN THE ORCHARD
Fertilize berry bushes and canes.
Plant new strawberry plants in the vegetable garden.
IN THE KITCHEN
Later in the month, harvest the tiny new leaves of greens, chives, dandelions, sorrel, garlic, ramps, and violas. Although, I doubt they will make it to the kitchen, for, like Spring lambs, we”ll be seen munching away in the lawn and garden.
Seasonal Recipes
Quinoa Patties Stuffed Squash Red Lentil Soup Raspberry Cheesecake
Mushroom Frittata Brownies Green Tea Kumquats
