April 2001

Edible Garden

Start herb seeds indoors. Herbs easily grown for transplanting include chives, sage, sweet marjoram, basil, summer savory and parsley.

Set broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage and cauliflower transplants in late April. Water in with a starter fertilizer.

Make cages for tomato plants.

Purchase a rain gauge. Gardens need an average of one inch of water per week.

Plant strawberries. Set the plants so that the soil is just covering the tops of the roots. Do not cover the crown.

Apply first apple scab controls when buds break in late April. Factsheet available.

Direct seed peas, spinach and carrots.

Blunt carrot types such as Chantenay are best for heavy, clay soils.

Plant asparagus and rhubarb.

Listen to weather forecasts for freeze warnings. In Northern Illinois there is a 50% chance of a freeze that will kill tender vegetables.

Ornamental Garden

Can seed lawns now. August 15 - September 15 is best time period; less weed competition.

Avoid using zoysia grass for lawns. It stays brown seven months of the year.

Apply pre-emergence herbicides (weed killers) for crabgrass control in late April. These herbicides must be applied before crabgrass germinates.

Do not apply grub controls in the spring. Apply in late June or early July if necessary. A population of eight to twelve grubs per square foot causes lawn damage that requires control. Factsheet available.

Remove all dead rose canes plus any thin, weak canes that are smaller than a pencil in diameter.

Dig chrysanthemums and divide. Replant segments 12" to 15" apart.