April Gardening in the Pacific Northwest: A Month-by-Month Guide
Introduction
April is a busy month for gardeners in the Pacific Northwest. The weather is warming up, but there’s still plenty of rain, so it’s the perfect time to get your vegetable garden started and tackle other gardening chores.
Veggie Gardening To-Do List
- Till under cover crops: If you planted cover crops in the fall, till them under in April to add nutrients to the soil.
- Amend the soil: Add plenty of aged compost to the soil and mix it in well.
- Start seeds indoors: If you haven’t already started seeds indoors, it’s time to get cracking. You can start seeds for broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, and kohlrabi in April.
- Direct sow seeds: You can also direct sow some seeds outdoors in April, especially if you are using a low tunnel or cloche to protect the seedlings from the cold. Some good choices for direct sowing in April include salad greens, Asian greens, Swiss chard, peas, fava beans, and root crops like carrots and radishes.
- Transplant seedlings: If you started seeds indoors, you can transplant them into the garden in April or May. Be sure to harden off the seedlings first by gradually exposing them to the outdoors for a few hours each day.
Other Gardening Chores
- Divide perennials: April is a good time to divide perennials that have become too large or overgrown.
- Plant bare-root fruit trees: Bare-root fruit trees are available in April, and they should be planted as soon as possible after purchase.
- Adjust the pH of your soil: If your soil is too acidic or alkaline, you can adjust the pH by adding lime or sulfur.
- Plant annuals: Annuals add a splash of color to the garden, and they can be planted in April. Some good choices for annuals in the Pacific Northwest include dusty miller, calendula, marigold, pansy, snapdragon, sweet alyssum, and sweet William.
- Control slugs and snails: Slugs and snails can be a problem in the Pacific Northwest, especially in April. Take steps to control them by setting beer baits or sprinkling diatomaceous earth around your plants.
- Weed control: Weeds can quickly get out of hand in April, so it’s important to stay on top of them. Pull weeds regularly, or use a hoe or cultivator to remove them.
Tips for Success
- Plan ahead: Take some time to plan your garden before you start planting. Decide what you want to grow, and make sure you have the space and resources to care for your plants.
- Start small: Don’t try to do too much all at once. Start with a small garden that you can easily manage.
- Be patient: Gardening takes time and effort. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately. Just keep at it, and you’ll eventually be rewarded with a beautiful and bountiful garden.
Conclusion
April is a great month to get your garden started in the Pacific Northwest. By following the tips in this guide, you can ensure that your garden is off to a successful start.