April Gardening chores

April will bring good and bad weather to the Midwest, so do not miss out on getting your gardening tasks done on the good days.

• Start spring cleaning the flower beds. (see last bullet in this list!)

• Direct sow cool-season vegetables and flowers once you can work the soil easily.

• Start to harden off cool-season seedlings sown in February) that you will transplant at the end of the month.

• Divide perennials as needed. ( Don't forget the plant sale is May 18th!)

• Maintain Compost. When the compost pile thaws, give it a turn, collecting nutrient-rich compost to enrich plant beds and vegetable gardens. Avoid mulching until the soil warms sufficiently. 

• Start Seeds. Embrace the simplicity and enjoyment of starting seeds indoors. It’s a cost-effective way to experiment with new plants while nurturing your green thumb.

• Proceed with Caution in Clean-Up. Resist the temptation to tidy up the garden prematurely during warm spells. Wait until consistent temperatures surpassing 50℉ for several consecutive days. Premature cleaning risks soil compaction and disturbs overwintering pollinators in plant debris.