April Garden Check List
As the weather starts to warm up and the snow begins to melt, it’s time to start thinking about the April work in your home vegetable garden. Spring is a crucial time in the garden as it sets the foundation for the rest of the growing season. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or a beginner, there are several tasks that should be on your to-do list in April to ensure a successful harvest later on.
Above: Spring bulbs were planted in the previous fall are now blooming.
Preparation
1) Clean your tools! Dirty gardening tools and pots can spread disease from an infected plant to a healthy one. Properly cleaning and disinfecting tools and containers can reduce the spread of plant diseases. Disinfecting is important especially when working with diseased plants and plants that are susceptible to the same diseases. In addition, check for rust, broken parts, and sharpen dull blades. Rubbing alcohol (70% concentration) should be good.
2) Before planting any seeds or seedlings, it is important to prepare the soil. This involves removing any weeds or dead plant matter, loosening the soil with a hoe or tiller, and adding compost or other organic matter to improve soil quality. Compost can be made at home from kitchen scraps, yard waste, and other organic materials. Alternatively, you can purchase compost from a garden center. You can read more about composting here.
Above: Amending the soil and prepping rows for the plants at the Rows for the Hungry
3) Consider a soil test to know how best to amend your soil.
Planting Seeds
4) Many Northeast garden guides note that April is an ideal time to plant cool-season crops like carrots and lettuce. And if you’ve not already done so, make sure tender crops like tomatoes, beans, or peppers are started indoors, as they’ll be ready to go out within another month or so. For detailed instructions on starting from seed, read here.
Having trouble deciding what to grow? Read more about seed selection!
Above: Use a grow light or place in a sunny windowsill when starting from seeds
Pest Control
5) April is also a good time to start thinking about pest control. Inspect your plants regularly for signs of insect damage or disease. If you notice any problems, take action immediately. There are many organic pest control options available, such as insecticidal soap, neem oil, and companion planting.
Watering
6) It is important to make sure your garden is well-watered. In April, the weather can be unpredictable, so check the soil regularly and water as needed. Avoid getting the leaves of the plants wet, as this can lead to disease.
Best of luck and enjoy being outdoors!
