APRIL GARDENING CALENDER

The following is your garden calendar for April:

The First Half of April:

· Feed shrubs and roses -- read label directions for special instructions.

· Take a soil sample to determine the exact amount of nutrition the soil needs to grow and produce flowers and vegetables.

· Mow lawn if grass is over 2-1/2 inches tall. The ideal mowing height is two inches. Closer cutting weakens the lawn and opens it to invasion by crabgrass and other weeds. Allowing the lawn to grow too tall gives it a ragged appearance, may create problems with accumulated clippings, and will cause matting if played or trampled on.

· Prune and shape spring flowering shrubs after blossoms fade.

· Prepare garden soil for spring planting.

· Begin regular scouting program for fruit trees. Pesticides should be used only when pest populations are high enough to cause damage to plants and damage reaches the economic injury level.

For the Second Half of April:

· Finish transplanting trees and shrubs.

· Plant ground covers in those terrible spots where only weeds seem to grow. There are many to choose from--some with flowers and others with beautiful foliage.

· Plant carrot, celery, lettuce, radish, spinach, sweet corn, turnip, snap bean and parsnip seeds, if weather is favorable. Transplant tomatoes and peppers.

· Prepare beds for planting annual and perennial flowers. Consider height, plant requirements (full sun or partial shade, sandy or rich loam soil) and color in selecting varieties.

· Get your garden soil prepared for your warm season vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, lima beans, and melons. Which can be planted (weather permitting) in early May.

· Attend the Kent County Master Gardener Scholarship Plant Sale on Saturday, April 28, 2012 from 8:00am to 12 noon, on the campus at Delaware State University.