Gardening Tips
April is a delightful month for gardeners.
The old saying, "April showers bring May flowers," is true, and we expect no different weather this month. But the Delta’s April weather can be very unpredictable, so don’t be in a rush about putting out the plants that were kept inside over winter. Wait until after all of the frost is gone.
The Master Gardeners are working hard getting ready for the annual plant sale on the last weekend of the month, Friday, April 29 and Saturday, April 30. It will be at the Vandiver’s NewCastle Farms on Newcastle Road. The Master Gardeners will have many varieties of tomatoes at the plant sale: small cherry tomatoes, large beefsteak tomatoes, and heirloom tomatoes. A complete list of veggies, flowers, and trees that will be available will be published soon. Make plans to come to the sale. You don't want to miss the opportunity to pick up some inexpensive, healthy plants.
Jonquils and tulips should be blooming this month. Be sure that the person running the lawnmower doesn't cut the green leaves off until they turn yellow and wilt. A friend of ours lost a yard full of buttercups because the leaves were mowed soon after the blooms were gone last year. They were so disappointed that there were no blooms this year.
The harsh weather in March has been hard on the beautiful trees in St. Francis County. You may want to replace the most damaged trees. There are many good resources available to research ideas of what trees and shrubs to plant. Plant catalogues, books from the library, and searching on the Internet are all good choices. In all instances, be careful to follow planting instructions. Also, be careful not to plant trees, shrubs, or gardens over sewer, electric or gas lines, or too close to the street. A tree will last longer than your lifetime, so choosing the correct location is important. It only takes a few years for trees to grow tall with limbs that can fall and damage houses and other structures. Read the instructions for maintenance clematis is a plant that shows off carefully. Will the tree perform with beautiful blooms in various year after year and require colors and sizes. It is happy to little attention such as watering, climb a fence or a brick wall. raking leaves, and disease Some varieties bloom in control? How much shade will the early spring and some in mature tree produce? Will it add summer. There is even one that color with blooms or fall leaves? blooms in the winter. Check the These are some of the questions catalogues for more information. to consider when planting a new Plant them deep in moist but tree. well-drained, fertile soil to
April is the month get prevent a fungal disease called the soil ready for clematis wilt. Clematis thrives in planting. Gardeners can take full sun or partial shade. Keep the samples to the UofA Extension roots cool by shading them Office at the courthouse. with other plants or place a layer Arkansas is one of the few states of mulch around them, but do that offers this service FREE. The not smother them. During the hot results of the test will tell you summer, don't let the roots dry what nutrients need to be added out. In April consider sowing for a productive garden or a these hardy annual flower seeds: beautiful lawn. calendula, larkspur, California
You can also plant different poppy, sunflowers, and sweet pea. flowers and veggies for an exciting Thinking of biting into a fresh effect this spring. The climbing* tomato out of your garden makes to the mouth water. Tomatoes grow beautifully in containers as well as in the ground. When the last frost has gone around late April to mid-May, tomatoes are ready for the outdoors along with squash, cucumber, and peppers. Throughout the month of April, it is safe to plant peas, carrots, beets, spinach, cauliflower, cabbage, turnips, collards, onions, and okra. If you haven’t planted your potatoes yet, get them in the ground as soon as possible.
Reminder: For beautiful flowering plants and vegetable plants to put in your gardens, check with the Master Gardeners at the plant sale on the April 29-30 and at local nurseries.
(EDITOR'S NOTE: Information for "Gardening Tips" is gleaned from gardening guides for Planting Zones 7 and 8.)