The temperatures in April and May read AND feel like a random quick pick from a Lotto Ticket. 65-21-42-10-39-70. What’s a gardener to do?
Even though it has been a very warm start to the spring season, April could still be one of our snowiest months so we Colorado gardeners should be patient, however there are some things we can do. While we are waiting for the weather to stabilize, we can continue to focus on preparing our gardens beds, planning what flowers we want to put into our container gardens and sowing seeds indoors.
Perennials
- April is a great time to plant perennials. Creek Side has over 400 varieties ready to be planted in your garden. Our perennials are ‘hardened off’ (tolerable to low temperatures) because they have been outside for the past 4 weeks. If if snows, a blanket of snow will insulate them from the cold temps, which is a good thing. If it gets cold without snow, cover them up with a sheet, blanket or upside down trash can. The snow and cold may slow them down, but once the sun comes out and the temperature comes back up, they will rebound and thrive.
Cool Season Annuals
- Not all is lost on the fluctuating weather, cool season annuals are perfect this time of year. Pansies, violas, snapdragons, dianthus, dusty miller and alyssum are here and ready for you to take home! Yes, if the temps dip below 30, you will need to cover and protect, but these annuals are tough and will survive.
Sow seeds NOW!
- More and more people are choosing to grow their own crops and be more economical and self-sustainable. Check the back of the seed packet and if labeled to sow outside 4-6 weeks before last frost of the season – we are there right now! Seed packet instructions for sowing inside follow the same recommendations. When the wacky weather calms down, they will be ready to plant outside in containers or raised beds. Cool season vegetable starts including broccoli, lettuce, spinach, potatoes and onions are ready now here at Creek Side.
Lawn Care
- Just prior to a forecast rain or snowfall is a great time to put down a first application of lawn fertilizer. Fertilome ‘All Seasons’ is the April application. In addition, this year we have Richlawn Lawn Food.
Bulb Care
- Are your daffodils, crocus, hyacinth and tulip bulbs coming up? The early daffodils and crocus may already be blooming so be sure to give them some water and food, such as bone meal.
Hang in there Colorado gardeners! The green team at Creek Side Gardens is here to help get us all through our crazy spring weather.
