Year-Round Advice to Keep Your Garden Beautiful

April

April is a good time for planting your annual color bedding plants. By this time of the year, soil temperatures are warming, we are beyond any more frost, and the summer heat has not set in. In shade/morning sun areas, Impatiens, Begonias, Coleus, and Caladiums should do very well. For areas with full and afternoon sun, Salvia, Purslane, Moss Rose, Marigolds, Verbena, Zinnia, Vinca, and Dianthus, to name a few colorful options. Many of these can be planted from seeds 

or starts. Many Texas natives, once planted, will give you years of color without having to replant every year. These, with a little soil preparation & a little bone/blood meal, should give you color all season long. 

If you have been wanting to add a crape myrtle to your yard, they are now in bloom, so it is a great time to pick one out. Not only will you get to see its full, colorful effect before you buy, but the spring rain also helps keep it hydrated as it gets established. 



This is a good month for feeding your existing trees and shrubs. Using an organic fertilizer such as Trifecta will help your trees and shrubs deal with the heat of the summer as well as condition the soil for better nutrient absorption. If you prefer granules, Milorganite, Feed Store 16-4-8, & Fertilome Tree & Shrub food can be used in spring and fall. 

Vegetables and herbs can be put in now that the danger of frost is over. Cucumber, Squash, Eggplant, Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Tomatoes, and Peppers are now available in seed or little starter plants. Basil, Cilantro, Oregano, Parsley, Thyme, Rosemary, Sage, and the Mints are also now available as little plants or seeds. 

Mark S. Ney, Certified Texas Nursery Professional #4749