FIRST WEEK:
• Divide over-wintered baskets of Boston fern into four sections. Plant new hanging baskets using two sections of fern in each.
• Green grass in a Bermuda lawn is probably Poa annua (annual bluegrass). You can try digging it out but, better yet, make a mental note to put out weed preventer next September.
• Plant dahlias, elephant ear, gladiolus and caladiums now.
• Prepare spots where you intend to sod by first killing all weeds present. Use glyphosate (Roundup) or glufosinate (Finale).
• Examine the backside of euonymus and holly leaves for the white crust that signifies scale insects. Thoroughly spray leaves with horticultural oil.
SECOND WEEK:
• It is safe to plant tomatoes, peppers and eggplant in your garden now that the soil is warm.
• Remove withered flowers from florist’s azaleas you receive for Easter to prolong their blooming.
• Move houseplants outdoors gradually. Never place them in full sunshine; filtered shade is best.
• It’s never the wrong time to lime your lawn. Forty pounds per 1000 square feet is approximately enough but a soil test can tell you exactly what you need.
• Spray azaleas with insecticidal soap if you have had azalea lace bug problems in the past.
THIRD WEEK:
• Remove guy wires from your fall-planted trees. Trees that move with the wind grow stronger than those supported for more than a few months.
• Plant Easter lilies outdoors after removing their faded blooms.
• Mulch tomatoes immediately after planting to prevent early blight fungus from splashing from the soil onto the leaves.
• “Flowering Annuals for Georgia Gardens” is a free booklet available at your local Extension Service office. Call 1-800-ASKUGA-1 to get local office phone numbers.
• Water houseplants more frequently with the onset of more hours of sunshine and new green leaves. Begin monthly feedings with houseplant fertilizer.
FOURTH WEEK:
• Plant the seeds of annual flowers such as marigold, cosmos, zinnia and celosia. Mix lots of soil conditioner in beds to help them be drought tolerant.
• Hang garden chimes on a tree branch so the wind keeps them constantly tinkling.
• Plant corn, bean and pea seeds now. Use a soaker hose to water vegetable rows – you’ll prevent disease and weeds plus save water.
• Sharpen or replace your mower blade now that lawn grass has begun growing rapidly. Check the mowing height on a flat surface.
• Look for aphids clustered at the tips of fast-growing crape myrtle branches. Blast them off with a water hose and give a ground-dwelling spider a nice lunch.
http://www.walterreeves.com/seasonal-gardening-calendar/april/
Greenshooz Landscaping & Lawn Maintenance | Cumming, GA 