Month to Month

What to do in April in the garden

• April is a good month to plant shrubs and perennials to the garden because there is so much in bloom that there is a lot of inspiration around. It is still a good time to plant winter blooming shrubs like azaleas and camellias, as well as natives. Look for plants that are just starting to come into bloom now and know exactly what you are getting. Summer blooming perennials in four-inch containers can go in the ground now and will quickly catch up to those in gallon containers in a few months. Only tropical plants will do better if the weather warms up before they go in the ground.
  
  This is a good time of year to prune foundation shrubs such as Indian Hawthorn (Rhaphiolepis indica) and Pittosporum to retain their shape and size and encourage fullness as they grow through the warmer months.
  This is the month to start fertilizing summer flowering perennials such as daylilies and iris for more blooms. Prune shrubs and hedges that start to shoot up branches this month. They will most likely need to be pruned again in the summer and early fall to keep them in the shape or size desired. Pittosporum, photinia, eugenia, and myoporums can all be pruned this month. If you are planting new ones, look for dwarf varieties if you want to keep them small and cut down on pruning chores.

  Keep an eye out for weeds that have been encouraged by all the rain and get them under control early in the season by hand while they are still young and easy to remove. Adding a thick layer of mulch after weeding will keep them at bay as well as keeping the soil cool and moist in the summer.

  Along with warmer weather and new growth come insects. A well-balanced garden will withstand a few pests without undergoing too much damage. Remember, the best defense against garden insects that do damage to plants is a good offense! This is the month to establish your offense plan. Insects look for the weak plants to attack. Plants that are kept clean, well nourished, and well watered will less likely suffer from insect damage.  Hose off plants when rainfall is scarce to keep the leaves dust free and knock off any insects trying to get established.  Use balanced, organic fertilizers that encourage and maintain moderate, strong growth as opposed to high dosage fertilizers that cause the plants to send out fast, spindly new growth that is a target for hungry insects. Water deeply, less frequently and add a thick layer of mulch to encourage a strong, deep root system that will support healthy plants.
   
  In addition to providing the necessary environment for healthy plants, encourage predatory insects that attack the insects that will most likely cause damage to the garden. Plants with simple flowers provide pollen for flying insects. Plant achillea, asters, daisies, daylilies, honeysuckle, lantana, lavender, nepeta, scented geraniums and silver sage this month to encourage predatory insects.
  
  Welcome birds, bats and spiders into your garden, all of which consume insects. Last, but not least, learn to accept a little insect damage.