Spring in Full Swing: What to do This Week April 14-20th in the Garden Around the Globe
With spring in full swing and daytime temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to high 70s, it's an ideal time to plant, prune, and prepare your garden for the upcoming growing season.
April Gardening Tasks by USDA Hardiness Zone
Zones 1–3 (Northern Rockies, Upper Midwest, Alaska)
Indoor Seed Starting: Begin seeds for broccoli, cabbage, kale, and herbs like parsley and thyme.
Soil Preparation: Once the ground thaws, amend soil with compost and organic matter.
Tool Maintenance: Sharpen and clean garden tools in preparation for the season.
Planning: Finalize garden layouts and order seeds for warm-season crops.
Zones 4–5 (Northeast, Northern Midwest) Direct Sowing: Plant cool-season crops such as peas, lettuce, spinach, and radishes.
Perennial Care: Divide and transplant perennials like daylilies and hostas.
Pruning: Trim back shrubs and trees before new growth appears.
Mulching: Apply mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
Zones 6–7 (Mid-Atlantic, Southern Midwest)
Transplanting: Move hardened-off seedlings of tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants outdoors.
Herb Planting: Plant herbs such as basil, cilantro, and dill.
Lawn Care: Aerate and fertilize lawns to promote healthy growth.
Pest Monitoring: Watch for early signs of pests and treat as necessary.
Zones 8-9 (Southeast, South-Central)
Warm-Season Planting: Direct sow beans, corn, cucumbers, and squash.
Fruit Trees: Plant or fertilize citrus and other fruit trees.
Irrigation Check: Inspect and repair irrigation systems before peak usage.
Mulching: Refresh mulch around plants to conserve moisture. Harvest to Table
Zones 10–11 (Southern Florida, Coastal California)
Tropical Planting: Plant tropical vegetables like okra and sweet potatoes.
Pest Management: Monitor for pests and apply organic controls as needed.
Container Gardening: Refresh soil in containers and plant heat-tolerant flowers.
Water Conservation: Implement water-saving techniques like drip irrigation.