April was a month of weather extremes. We had snowstorms, cold
temperatures, strong wind and record breaking rainfall; including a
Nor’easter that caused major flooding. There were a few nice days for
gardening, but for the most part not much gardening was accomplished
during National Gardening Month in our area. Low areas in most yards
may
still be too wet to plant. Once the soil is no longer the consistency
of
modeling clay, we can resume planting. There is plenty of time to plant
trees, shrubs and perennials.

It’s been difficult to get out into the garden to plant the early
season
vegetables. But there is still time to plant some of the cool season
vegetable crops in the garden. Lettuce, greens, broccoli, and cabbage
plants can still be planted at the beginning of May. Seeds for beets,
carrots and Swiss chard can be planted as well and will sprout quickly
in the warmer soil. Onion sets and seed potatoes are usually planted in
March and April respectively, but they can also be put into the garden
now. Their harvest time may only be slightly delayed. Look for onion
seedlings to plant instead of the sets if you want them to get growing
sooner.

It is approximately three weeks until the last expected frost.
Cucumber,
melon and squash seeds can be started in small pots indoors three weeks
prior to planting outside. These seeds sprout within a couple of days
and grow quickly to transplant size. Try planting them in two-inch peat
pots. These pots can be planted directly into the ground when the
plants
are ready. The pot will decompose after a couple of weeks.

The summer blooming bulbs such as dahlias, cannas, gladiolas and
elephant ears can be planted in the ground now. Plant them according to
the depth suggested on the package, usually it is twice the size of the
bulb or tuber. And be sure to plant them right side up. The root end
may
have thin hair like remains from the previous year’s growth. The
foliage
end may have tiny buds or dried remains from stems. Some bulbs and
tubers begin sprouting while still in storage making it easy to
determine the top from the bottom. If in doubt, try planting the bulb
sideways.

The forsythia blossoms are starting to fade and drop. If you want to
prevent crabgrass in the lawn this year apply crabgrass preventer now.
You can apply it with or without fertilizer. Be sure to mow the grass
high leaving 2-1/2 to 3 inches of leaf blade. The longer leaf will keep
the plant healthy and shade out weeds. Major lawn renovation projects
should be postponed until late summer or early fall. It is getting late
to try and start grass seed this spring.

Dandelions, chickweed and henbit are very lush this spring. The cool
temperatures and ample rainfall are most likely to blame. All can be
treated now by spraying them directly with the appropriate product.
Most
of the broadleaf weeds can be treated with a product containing 2-4 D.
For clover, chickweed, oxalis and other stubborn weeds it is better to
use one containing a combination of active ingredients. There are also
organic herbicides available that can be used on weeds. The active
ingredient is usually vinegar and/or lemon. These need to be applied
carefully as they are non-selective and will harm the grass and garden
plants.

Potted daffodils, tulips, lilies and hyacinths that you may have
received for Easter have probably finished blooming by now. They can be
planted in the garden now. Dig the holes the same diameter as the pots
and at least six inches deep (8 inches for daffodils). Add a spoonful
of
bone meal or bulb food to the planting hole. Slip the bulbs with the
potting soil out of the pot and plant them in the hole, filling in with
the soil from digging. Water the bulbs in and snip off the dead flower
heads. Leave all the foliage intact; it will feed the bulb for next
year. Once all the foliage has turned brown it can be cut off. This is
a
great way to start a bulb garden or add to an existing one. They also
can be added to perennial borders or cutting gardens.

Beth Nardone, botanist, is a resident of Hillsborough and is the
Nursery
Manager at the Belle Mead Co-Op. Questions and comments can be sent to
bethtanical@patmedia.net