April Garden To-Do List for Northern California

The true horticulture class begins in earnest for most Northern California gardeners this month . The danger of hoarfrost is minimum , the air temperatures are reliably high , and the soil is warming up . Many cool - season vegetable crops are still bring on , and cool - time of year flowers still cheerfully flower . But their season is winding down , and it ’s time to make quad for summer - blossom flowers and lovesome - weather vegetable starts !

In the ornamental garden

Disguise fading bulb foliage . Spring - bloom bulbs have faded , and though the foliage may appear unsightly , it ’s doing a life-sustaining job , drawing nutrient down into the bulb for next year ’s bloom . It ’s important to leave the dying leaves intact , but they ’re well obliterate by establish pretty , shallow - root yearbook such as lobelia ( Lobelia erinus ) or fresh genus Alyssum ( Lobularia maritima ) .

Fertilize roses . By now , roses ( Rosaspp . and cvs . , Zones 3–9 ) have flip out and budded up and are quick to get a boost of fertilizer to promote abundant , good for you blooms . At this point in the growing time of year , your roses benefit most from a fertilizer high in daystar and K and low in nitrogen . Mulch around the fundament of your rose with a can of slow - to - decompose alfalfa pellet ( mellow in nitrogen ) and your rosebush will flourish !

Fertilize and prune azalea . Azaleas ( Rhododendronspp . and cvs . , Zones 4–9 ) have put on their astonishing springtime show , and it ’s time to clean up them up by removing spent blooms and to prune the shrubs back if needed . eat now with an acid - base fertilizer ( E. B. Stone Organics Azalea , Camellia & Gardenia Food is an first-class product ) to ensure a repeat performance next outflow . Pruning azalea now allows them plenty of time to push new growth and get bloom buds for next year ’s bloom oscillation .

Add annuals to your beds . summertime - blooming annuals are plentiful in local nurseries now and will develop speedily and bloom profusely , adding color and dish to cheery flush border or brightening up shady spots . Be indisputable to enrich your soil at planting time with good constituent compost .

In the edible garden

establish your vegetable garden . By mid - month , it ’s finally dependable to plant your summer veggie garden . Plant your summertime vegetables in a fix receiving full sun for at least six time of day , in nutrient - rich , well - remedy , efficiently draining soil . Remove all weed when preparing your veggie bed . lineal - sow seeds for beans , salad greens , carrots , Zea mays , cucumbers , beets , radishes , and peas . industrial plant transplants for tomatoes , peppers , squash , melons , and eggplants .

It ’s time to plant strawberries!Top your strawberry beds with 3 inches of plentiful , organic compost , adding worm castings and a skilful , all - determination organic fertiliser for an extra nutrient hike , then dig this mixture in well before planting your berries . ‘ Albion ’ is a vigorous , healthy , ever - bearing variety that is an excellent choice for the beginner NorCal nurseryman . It farm abundant , beautiful , fresh , and tasty berries that are ideal for snacking or for decorate a delicious shortcake .

Pest patrol for edibles and ornamentals

Watch out for snails , slug , and earwigs . All three of these pests can cause serious harm to young industrial plant . Set out rolled - up newspapers or a length of premature ventricular contraction piping overnight to trap earwigs , collect and disposing of them the following morning . Hand - pick slugs and snails too soon in the morning or late at night . If you favor to use a bait that aid eliminate all of these esurient plague ( and a couple more ) , Sluggo Plus is efficient , environmentally favorable , and safe for everyone except for the gadfly list on the recording label .

— Fionuala Campion is the possessor and managing director of Cottage Gardens of Petaluma in Petaluma , California .

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March Garden To-Do List for Northern California

April Garden To-Do List for the Southwest

April Garden To-Do List for Southern California

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red zinnia

What’s cheerier than a summer-flowering annual? Now’s the time to add those pops of color to your containers and perennial beds.Photo: Fionuala Campion

sweet alyssum

Tired of looking at browning and drooping spring bulb foliage every April? Plant a fast-growing and shallow-rooted annual around the bulbs, like sweet alyssum.Photo: Fionuala Campion