April seems to have introduced herself as a fickle lady. Warm temps one day and cool, bordering on cold, the next. But in the end, I’ll wager she’ll warm up, stay that way and put on her Easter bonnet, albeit a little late. This is the time of year gardeners pine and pant for — not too hot, not too cool and a palette as clear and clean as a new canvas. Of course, some of us have some preparation to achieve that clean canvas.
Now, if you are a novice gardener and are thinking, “I haven’t a clue where to start,” you can get some help later in this article. Also, you can plan to learn much more in the next class of Master Gardeners next year. Watch this column for information in the coming months.
I hope you are all planning to come visit the Lowndes County Master Gardeners’ plant sale on Saturday, the 14th of April. It will be 8 a.m. to noon at Brickerton Plaza. Get your gardening jump-started at this event. Oh, btw, the last average frost date for our planting zone is April 15.
Now for your tips:
Set out summer annuals if danger of frost is past: ageratum, alyssum, begonias, geraniums, dianthus, celosia, marigolds, moss rose, petunias, impatiens, coleus and caladiums, etc.
Plant summer and fall blooming bulbs: callas, cannas, dahlias, gladiolus and gloriosa lilies. Sow zinnias for early summer blooms.
Now, get out and go play in the dirt!
Sharon Carrigan of Columbus shares monthly gardening tips on behalf of the Lowndes County Masters Gardeners.
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