April is just about here and with it comes Easter (April 20), Earth Day (April 22), Colorado Arbor Day (April 26) and National Parks Week (April 19-27). Every gardener is itching to get outside and dig in the soil. Sometimes we forget that gardening can be tricky in April living in the foothills of Pikes Peak.
Colorado’s erratic weather conditions might still bring frost and snowstorms in many areas. On the other hand, we can also expect plenty of warm days and that’s the time to get a jump on spring gardening tasks to kick off the season.
Prepare your garden beds
• Cleanup: Remove dead plants and fallen leaves from last season to help prevent disease and pests.
• Soil prep: Turn the soil to aerate it and add compost or well-rotted and aged (at least a year) manure to improve fertility. If you are a no-till gardener, this is a good time to layer on some organic matter.
Plant cool-season crops
April is an ideal time to plant cold-hardy vegetables. As soon as you can work the soil, consider planting: lettuce, spinach, kale, and other leafy greens, peas (early April), radishes, carrots, onions (sets or transplants), broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower (from transplants).
Prune fruit trees
Prune trees (apple, pear, cherry, peach) while they are still dormant (before bud break). This helps with airflow, prevents diseases and increases fruit size and quality.
Check irrigation systems
As temperatures rise, check your irrigation system, making sure it’s ready for the growing season. Test sprinklers and hoses for any blockages or leaks. Don’t forget the drip system. Set up a watering schedule to keep your garden hydrated as the weather warms up.
Service the mower and sharpen tools
Sharpening the blade, and changing the oil and spark plug on your mower early in the season is a good idea. If you have it done professionally, your lawn mower mechanic will appreciate the business before the rush. The same holds true for pruners, shovels and loppers; cleaning and sharpening the blades now is the best time to do it.
Mulch garden beds
When the ground has thawed, apply a 2– to 3-inch layer of mulch to garden beds to retain moisture, prevent weeds and stabilize soil temperatures.
Plant trees and shrubs
April is a good time to plant bare-root or container-grown trees and shrubs. The cool, moist spring weather helps establish roots before the summer heat arrives.
Plan for frost protection
Keep a watchful eye on the weather forecast this month. Be prepared with row covers, cloches or frost blankets to protect young plants when needed.
Gardening in Colorado often requires flexibility due to our unpredictable weather. Let us not forget patience. Remember, as Thomas Tusser wrote in the 1500s, that “April showers bring May flowers!”
Submit gardening questions to csumg2@elpasoco.com or call 719-520-7684. The in-person help desk resumes April 7 and will be open 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Visit elpaso.extension.colostate.edu and register for upcoming classes at epcextension.eventbrite.com.
