April Gardening
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April is a busy month in the garden, especially if the weather is nice! 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.
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. As in the animal kingdom, insects look for the weak 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. Adopt the opinion that it adds character to a charming garden.