Horticulture Report, April 2024

By Rosie Davidson

April weather is starting to get warmer and is usually a pretty nice temperature. There will be more insects, bees and butterflies in the garden. The last frost has hopefully been and gone.

Tomatoes are heat-loving plants and should be planted now. They need a long, warm period to promote good growth. Beans, peppers, okra, and sweet potatoes are a few other suggestions. Cilantro, basil, parsley and a multitude of beautiful herbs may be planted now. Summer bulbs, such as elephants’ ears, lilies, cannas, and curcuma may be planted as well. The amaryllis in the ground should be in bloom.
Mulch and amend garden beds, refresh soil in pots, and test soil, if needed.
Birds are nest-building now. Fill up bird feeders and clean hummingbird feeders.
Fertilize new beds, tidy around returning perennials, remove dead parts, and again fertilize.
Clean garden tools and sharpen pruners.

New plants will be in nurseries. Here are some suggested interesting nurseries to visit in Jacksonville: Plant Ranch, Earth Works, and Eat your Yard. Island Nursery in St Simmons is a real treat.

Happy gardening everyone.