Gardening in April in Eastern North Carolina is an exciting time as the weather warms up and plants begin to thrive. Here are some key gardening tips for this month:
Vegetable Gardening
- Plant warm-season crops such as tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, squash, beans, and corn.
- Continue succession planting for lettuce, carrots, and radishes to extend harvests.
- Mulch garden beds to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Monitor for pests like aphids and caterpillars—use insecticidal soap or hand-pick pests as needed.
Flower Gardening
- Plant summer-blooming flowers such as marigolds, zinnias, petunias, and sunflowers.
- Deadhead spring-blooming flowers to encourage more blooms.
- Divide and transplant perennials like daylilies and hostas.
Lawn Care
- Fertilize warm-season grasses like Bermuda and Zoysia if needed.
- Mow at the right height (about 2-3 inches) to encourage healthy growth.
- Control weeds before they go to seed using pre-emergent herbicides.
Trees & Shrubs
- Prune spring-flowering shrubs like azaleas and forsythia after they finish blooming.
- Check for pests like scale insects on crepe myrtles and hollies.
- Deep water newly planted trees during dry spells.
General Maintenance
- Mulch garden beds to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Check irrigation systems for leaks and efficiency before summer heat arrives.
- Keep an eye on the weather—late frosts are still possible, so protect tender plants if needed.
April is a great time to get your garden in shape for the growing season ahead. Happy gardening!
