April showers, bring May flowers.
The sun is warming up our soils and awakening our trees, shrubs, and perennials this month. New growth is evident everywhere, with leaf buds breaking open, spring bulbs emerging from the earth, and wildlife returning to their summer homes. Winter is officially over and we can declare it gardening season! For me this is a rack full of vegetable and annual seedlings in my kitchen, baby hens in their brooder, and garden plans drawn out everywhere. I am ready to get outdoors in the sunshine with my hands caked in soil as I grow my own vegetables for my family to eat.
Temperatures and the weather are still unpredictable in April and it really is too soon to do any planting. Grasses and garden spaces should be kept off of if wet, to avoid soil compaction. Our pollinators are still over-wintering early this month, so please be gentle and do not disturb leaf debris and yard litter quite yet.
April To-Do Checklist
- Check on seedlings that were started in March. Keep watering consistently and provide a fan for airflow.
- Start annual flower seeds indoors such as marigolds, zinnias, and cosmos. These are all great companion plants for the vegetable garden. I also start my squash, cucumbers, and pumpkins towards the end of the month.
- For the home chef- try growing horseradish this summer, you can find root sets at garden stores or online. May be planted in the garden this month.
- Buy baby chicks- fresh eggs are amazing!
- Check on milk jug greenhouses started earlier in the winter and vent/water if needed.
- Cool season vegetables such as kale and broccoli can be planted outdoors under row covers.
- Fertilize indoor plants and re-pot if needed.
- Consider planting a native tree that is predicted to adapt well with future climate change.
- Look for signs of spring phenology in your yard: First bud break, baby geese, insect arrival…
- Amend garden beds with compost and turn pile.
- DO NOT prune oak trees. High risk of oak wilt disease spread now through end of the summer.
- Make summer camping plans at a state park.
- Divide perennials that bloom in the fall.
- Set out a colorful pansy bowl.
- Check on garden tools and disinfect equipment.
- Clean out bird bath and fill feeders.
- Shop for dahlia tubers to plant next month.
- Direct sow radish and carrots if the soil is workable.
Days to Celebrate in April
April is full of fun and celebrations. Twins baseball begins and we get to celebrate the Easter holiday. Get outdoors and enjoy one of these silly holidays.
Signs: Aries & Taurus
Full Moon: Pink Moon- April 1
Flower: Daisy
April 1- April Fool’s Day!
April 2- PBJ Day
April 3- Good Friday
April 4- School Librarian Day
April 5- Easter Sunday
April 6- Caramel Popcorn Day
April 7- National Beer Day
April 8- National Empanada Day
April 9- Unicorn Day
April 10- Siblings Day
April 11- National Pet Day
April 12- Grilled Cheese Day
April 13- Play Scrabble Day
April 14- National Garden Day
April 15- Jackie Robinson Day
April 16- National Orchid Day
April 17- Cheeseball Day
April 18- Husband Appreciation Day
April 19- National Garlic Day
April 20- Pineapple Upside Down Cake Day
April 21-National Kindergarten Day
April 22- Earth Day
April 23- Picnic Day
April 24- Arbor Day
April 25- World Penguin Day
April 26- Pretzel Day
April 27- Gummi Bear Day
April 28- Superhero Day
April 29- International Dance Day
April 30- Mr. Potato Head Day
