April Garden Chores In The Southeast: Keep Your Garden Blooming This Spring

Spring has arrived in the Southeast, and it's time to start thinking about your garden. April offers a window of opportunity to get your plants and flowers ready for the warm weather ahead. With some simple gardening chores, you can ensure that your garden blooms beautifully throughout the spring and into the summer.

1. Clean Up Winter Debris

The first step is to clear out any winter debris from your garden beds. Remove any dead leaves or branches that may have accumulated over the winter months. Rake up old mulch and replace it with fresh mulch to help retain moisture in the soil and regulate soil temperature.

Clearing Debris From Garden Beds

2. Prune Trees and Shrubs

Early spring is an ideal time to prune trees and shrubs before they start to bud. Be sure to use sharp pruning shears and make clean cuts to prevent damaging the plant. Remove any dead or diseased wood, as well as any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other.

Pruning Trees and Shrubs in the Spring

3. Plant Spring Annuals

April is the perfect time to plant annuals such as petunias, impatiens, and marigolds. These colorful plants will add a splash of color to your garden and attract pollinators like butterflies and bees. Make sure to choose plants that are appropriate for your climate and soil conditions.

Planting Spring Annuals in the Garden

4. Fertilize Your Lawn

April is also a good time to fertilize your lawn to promote healthy growth. Choose a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen to encourage green shoots and strong roots. Be sure to follow the instructions on the package carefully to avoid over-fertilizing and causing damage to your lawn.

Fertilizing the Lawn in the Spring

5. Weed Control

Weeds can quickly take over your garden, so it's important to stay on top of them. Hand-pull weeds or use a hoe to remove them from your garden beds. Apply a pre-emergent weed killer to prevent new weeds from sprouting. Be careful when using weed killers and follow the instructions carefully to avoid damaging your plants.

Weed Control in the Garden

6. Water Regularly

Finally, it's essential to water your garden regularly to keep it healthy and thriving. Most plants need about an inch of water per week, either from rainfall or irrigation. Use a watering can or hose to water your plants deeply, and be sure to water early in the morning or late in the evening to prevent evaporation.

Watering Plants in the Garden

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