Spring is officially here, and it’s time to stretch those gardening muscles! April is the perfect time to shake off winter and prepare your garden for the season ahead. Whether you're growing vegetables, flowers, or just enjoying your green space, here are five tasks to help your Elmvale garden thrive.
1. Clean Up Your Garden Beds
Start by removing dead plant material, fallen branches, and any leaves that didn’t break down over winter. Cleaning up your beds prevents disease and gives your new plants room to grow. Be gentle—some beneficial insects may still be hiding under leaves or stems.
2. Start Seeds Indoors
Now is the ideal time to start warm-season vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and basil indoors. Use seed trays or recycled containers with drainage holes. Place them near a sunny window or under grow lights to give them a strong start before planting outdoors in late May.
3. Prune Trees and Shrubs
Prune summer-flowering shrubs (like butterfly bush and hydrangeas) before new growth kicks in. Remove any dead or damaged branches from trees and shrubs. For spring-blooming plants like lilacs, wait until after they flower.
4. Refresh Your Compost and Soil
Turn your compost pile to help it decompose faster, and add a mix of greens (vegetable scraps) and browns (dry leaves). You can also top-dress beds with compost or manure to improve soil health before planting.
5. Sharpen and Clean Your Tools
Give your pruners, shears, and trowels a quick clean and sharpen. A little maintenance now will make your garden work easier and more enjoyable throughout the season.
🌱 Local Tip: Elmvale falls within Hardiness Zone 5b. Be cautious about planting frost-sensitive crops outdoors before the Victoria Day long weekend!