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?
April can be one of our snowiest months so we Colorado gardeners must 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. We have over 400 varieties ready to be planted. If the perennials are ‘hardened off’ (tolerable to low temperatures) they should be fine. A blanket of snow will insulate them from the cold temps, which is a good thing. 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 32, 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 self-sustainable. We say it over and over but now is the time to sow your seeds. When the wacky weather calms down, they will be ready to plant in containers or raised beds. Cool season vegetable starts including potatoes and onions are ready now here at Creek Side.
Lawn Care
- If it’s going to be wet, then it 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.
