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3-21-02
APRIL
HOME (Indoor plants and activities)
Start seeds of warm-season plants, including
tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, marigolds, zinnias and petunias, indoors
for transplanting later to the garden.
Harden off transplants started earlier in spring
before planting outdoors--gradually expose the young plants to outdoor
conditions of wind, brighter sunlight and lower moisture.
Apply fertilizer to houseplants according to
label directions as days grow brighter and longer and new growth begins.
Foliage plants require relatively high nitrogen fertilizer, while blooming
plants thrive on formulations that are higher in phosphorus.
Keep Easter lily in a bright, cool location,
out of direct sunlight. Water as soil begins to dry. The yellow pollen-bearing
anthers inside the flower can be removed by pinching to prevent staining
of the petals.
YARD (Lawns, woody ornamentals and fruits)
Plant a tree in celebration of National Arbor
Day, April 26. Bare-root stock should be planted before new top growth
begins. Balled-and-burlapped and containerized stock can still be planted
later in spring.
Fertilize woody plants before new growth begins.
Two pounds of actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet should be sufficient.
Complete pruning chores, removing dead and injured
branches first.
Apply a prebloom, multipurpose orchard spray
to fruit trees.
Remove winter coverings from roses, but keep
mulch nearby for protection from late freezes. Prune and fertilize as
needed.
The best way to prevent crabgrass is by encouraging
a healthy stand of lawn grass through proper fertilization, watering,
and mowing. However, if herbicide application is needed, apply a pre-emergent
product that is labeled for crabgrass prevention. Approximate dates
of application are April 1 to April 20 in southern Indiana and April
21 to May 10 in northern Indiana, though applications can be made up
to a month earlier and still be effective most years.
GARDEN (Vegetables, small fruits and flowers)
Plant seeds of cool-season crops directly in
the garden as soon as soil dries enough to be worked. When squeezed,
soil should crumble instead of forming a ball. Cool-season crops that
can be direct-seeded include peas, lettuce, spinach, carrots, beets,
turnips, parsnips and Swiss chard.
Plant transplants of cool-season crops, such
as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, kohlrabi and onions.
Plant or transplant asparagus and rhubarb crowns.
For best plant establishment, do not harvest until the third year after
planting.
Plant sections of certified, disease-free potato
"seed" tubers.
Allow foliage of spring-flowering bulbs to remain
in place after blooms fade. Leaves manufacture the food reserves, which
are then stored in the bulb for a repeat showing next year.
Plant hardy perennials, such as daylilies and
delphiniums.
Start tuberous begonias and caladiums indoors
for transplanting to garden later.
Remove winter mulch from strawberries, but keep
mulch handy in case late frosts are predicted and to help keep weeds
under control.
Plant or transplant strawberries, raspberries
and other small fruit.
Prune grape vines to remove dead or weakened
limbs, and repair support trellises as needed.
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