April Gardening Tips - Southwest Region
One of the nicest months in the southwest. (if the wind is not blowing) You may plant just about anything such as tomato plants, fruit trees shade trees, evergreen shrubs, flowering shrubs, bulbs etc. It is also the month that garden centers usually are fully stocked, at least in the southwest.
Fertilize your bermuda or warm season grasses at this time if you have not done so in late March. You may also fertilize your fescue, rye, or bluegrass (cool season) lawns if it has been more than 6 weeks since you’ve last fertilized. 16-8-8 with iron, zinc, and sulphur works well if you do not have a problem with weeds. This can be used on both warm season and cool season grasses at this time of year.
If you have oleander, now is the time to cut back any winter damaged leaves or stems it may have suffered from the cold. Shear oleander if you want them to look full and bushy or you may selectively prune branches to give it a more open and air look. You may also prune them into multi-trunked trees, which look quite picturesque when mature.
Lantana plants may be just coming out of their dormant period at this time. It is best to pull away any mulch that may be around the base of the crown, to allow the sun to heat up the soil and allow it to “wake up” from it’s winter sleep. Don’t let these plants fool you, they may look dead, but 9 times out of 10 they are just dormant. They need quite a bit of heat to start growing. Be patient!
Roses may should still be in stock at this time and take well to being planted at this time. For existing roses, fertilizing is key. I recommend a water soluable fertilizer such as Peters 20-20-20 every other week, for healthy foliage and multiple blooms. In addition to this use a soil acidifier such as Ironite Tm or Grow More Tm organic chelated iron. These products help keep foliage dark green and give flowers more vibrant colors.
Feed all trees, and shrubs at this time. There are many product to choose from. It is best to look for a product that is easiest for you to use. Most plant will respond to just about any kind of fertilizer as long as it is applied correctly.
You can read April gardening tips at: http://guzmansgreenhouse.com/seasons/april-gardening-tips.htm
Paul Guzman is the author of the above article. He is the general manager of Guzman’s Greenhouse in southern New Mexico. You can view it online at: http://guzmansgreenhouse.com/seasons/april-gardening-tips.htm Or email him at: manager@guzmansgreenhouse.com You can add this article on your website as long as the Author Bio Resource Box is left intact.
