“April is the cruelest month,” or so says T. S. Eliot. But even he goes on to mention lilacs and “stirring dull roots with spring rain.” April may be wet—some Northeasterners call this “mud season”—but even though snowstorms are still possible/inevitable, there’s no holding back spring or a gardener now. Daffodils and crocus trumpet the season, migratory birds start making their way back, and gardeners can’t help but respond to the crack of the starting gun. Just remember that this is a marathon, not a sprint. Pace yourself. There’s plenty of time to do it all.
Start tidying up. Cut back last year’s stems and seed heads, and either mulch in place around the crowns of your perennials and shrubs, or add the debris to the compost pile. If you left a cover of leaf mulch on your garden over the winter, gently lighten the load to give new growth some light and air.
Give your plants a nutritional boost. Top-dress the beds with compost if you didn’t do it last fall. There’s no need to dig it in—it will work in as you …
Divide and transplant perennials that bloom after Father’s Day. Hold off on dividing spring bloomers until fall, but make a to-do list now.
Go shopping for perennials, shrubs, and trees if you have gaps to fill. Just don’t forget to leave some vacancies for annuals and tender perennials.
Try to get ahead of the weeds. Use the leverage of moist soil to evict the unwelcome, roots and all.
Make a spring bulb wish list. Visit public gardens, drop in on friends, and peer through garden gates to get ideas. Identify the spots in your garden that need a jolt of color, and aim for a succession of blooms from March into June.
Kristin Green is author of Plantiful: Start Small, Grow Big with 150 Plants that Spread, Self-sow, and Overwinter, and gardens in Bristol, Rhode Island.
Fine Gardening Recommended Products
Flat Soaker Hose 75 150 FT for Garden Beds
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Consistent & Even Watering Drip Irrigation Hose: Makes use of a clog-resistant fabric cover recycled vinyl for consistent slow soaking seep throughout its entire length. Deliver water to the entire area that it covers. Only certain areas of your garden bed getting watered. For waste-free watering in garden beds and other tight spaces. Waters the base of the plants so less water-related leaf damage. Linkable Garden Soaker Hose For DIY Irrigation System: End to end connectable drip water hose, flexible versatile Above-ground or bury it below a up to 3-inch layer of mulch or soil; this fit with garden hose threads and come with rust resistant end caps that make it possible to connect multiple hoses and works well with timers.
Maneuverability And 100% Environmentally Friendly Drip Hose: Double layer design PVC Covered With Extra-Strength Fabric material protect from sun damage than rubber weeping hose; ensure the longevity of the soaker hose, which is ideal for you using it regularly through all seasons in your garden. Made of 100% environmentally friendly recycled vinyl, pass CA65 test, water is safe for ground which makes it perfect for use with vegetables, herbs, and other edible plants. Easy To Store Flat Soaker Hose: This irrigation drip hose flat design is kink-resistant, lies flat makes it a breeze to roll up and store for next season.The flat shape also makes it simple to snake under existing plant growth. One-Year Warranty on Flat Soaker Hoses: Ensure a water pressure of 40-90 psi for best results—hot water is not suitable.
Gardener's Log Book from NYBG
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This weatherproof five-year log book includes the following features:
· Sturdy waterproof cover to protect pages from rain and muddy soil
· Lined pages and gridded paper for plotting beds
· Five years of 12-month bloom and harvest grids for recording what you planted and when
· Authoritative appendices on composting, pruning, pest and disease control, and container gardening
· Useful reminders by season on fertilizing, mulching, and transplanting
· Space for listing your favorite sources and suppliers.
A.M. Leonard Deluxe Soil Knife & Leather Sheath Combo
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MULTITASKING DUAL EDGES: a deep serrated edge and a tapered slicing edge ideal for tough or delicate cuts. DURABLE 6-inch stainless steel blade withstands 300 lbs of pressure. TWINE CUTTING NOTCH, DEPTH GAUGE MARKINGS & spear point - no need to switch tools when using this garden knife. LEATHER SHEATH: heavy duty, protective, clip on sheath to keep your knife convenient and secure. LIFETIME WARRANTY.
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