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With spring on its way and the temperatures getting milder, April is the perfect month to start working on your garden.
However, if you’re not careful, you can easily make mistakes that can negatively impact your garden.
Fortunately, there are simple ways to avoid the worst gardening mistakes in April. In this article, we’re going to give you tips on how to avoid common gardening mistakes so you can get the most out of gardening in April.
Understanding the season before planting
Planting flowers or vegetables may seem pretty straightforward, but understanding the season’s characteristics and weather conditions is essential to success.
It is necessary to know the frost dates for outdoor crops and the most appropriate soil type. Also, long-cycle plants will need to be planted earlier than short-cycle plants.
This will ensure that the plant has time to grow and produce fruit or flowers before the warm seasons end. It is important to have an idea of what the weather will be like during the season as some plants are sensitive to humidity and excessive heat.
Use the right amount of fertilizer
Each plant has specific nutritional needs, and understanding these needs is very important in choosing the right fertilizers to use. It is also important to use the right amount, as too little will not be enough for good development, and too much can be harmful.
Fertilizers can be organic or mineral, and the choice depends on the type of plant to be planted. It is recommended to use specific mixtures for green plants, such as nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium. Fertilizers should be applied before or after planting according to the instructions on the package.
Don’t forget to water
Watering is one of the most important tasks in caring for your plants. Although soil can hold water, it does not stay wet for very long. Therefore, you need to water regularly to maintain a good level of hydration.
Plants need a certain type of watering to thrive, and it is essential to understand this before you start planting. Some plants need more water than others, and some even need to be watered daily.
It is also important to remember that the type of watering varies by season. For example, in the summer, plants need more water than in other seasons because they transpire more. So, in summer, it is advisable to water them more often and with more water than in winter. Also, if you are planting flowers or vegetables that require a lot of water (e.g. tomatoes), you will probably need to water them more often.
Here are some tips on how to water your plants properly:
- Water deeply: Water each plant until the water begins to soak into the soil.
- Water at the right time: The best time to water is in the morning or evening.
- Use the right type of watering: Use a hose or a watering can to water your plants.
- Use the right amount of water: Don’t overwater your garden as this can cause mildew and weeds.
By following these simple but effective tips, you will be able to provide your plants with the hydration they need to grow properly and thrive.
Protect plants from frost and wind
Once your garden is established, it is important to protect it from cold temperatures and strong winds.
In case of frost, it is advisable to cover plants with a sheet or geotextile fabric, especially those that are delicate. It is also important to choose varieties that can withstand low temperatures.
Also, wind can damage the leaves and stems of plants, so try to set them up with tall shrubs or windbreaks to minimize the impact.
You can also plant bulbs to have flowers in the spring. Bulbs can be buried deep to prevent them from being affected by frost. You can also cover the soil around the plants with mulch to keep in the heat and reduce stress from the cold.
By following these tips for avoiding the worst gardening mistakes in April, your garden will be in great shape before the warm weather arrives. You’ll be able to enjoy the joys of spring and admire a beautiful garden throughout the coming months.
