Planting Annuals (Flowers and Vegetables) in the Ground in April – It seems we see vegetables and annuals for sale earlier and earlier every year in grocery and big box stores. DON’T succumb to the temptation! Unless, of course you have a heated greenhouse. With the exception of cold crop vegetables and pansies, most flowers and vegetables that we plant in this region ARE NOT FROST HARDY! Aside from the possibility of frost damage, soil temperature dictates plant growth and development. Cold soil shocks the root system of tender annual plants resulting in stagnated growth. When planted in warm soil, plants take off both in root and top growth. Thus, they’re happier and more robust when planted in warm soil. In order to thwart the temptation of planting too soon, we wait until late April to sell susceptible warm season annuals and vegetables.
Planting Perennials, Shrubs, Trees in April – Many perennials, shrubs and trees are showing new growth, buds and even some flowers! Now is a great time to consider adding perennial plants to landscapes and gardens. Whenever you plant, be sure to prepare the planting hole by mixing peat moss, compost or a planting mix (i.e. Coast of Maine’s Penobscot Complete Planting Mix) in with the existing soil. In addition, we recommend utilizing a starter fertilizer, such as Espoma’s Bio-Tone Starter Plus to give the root system a jump start. Save 25% on all sizes of Espoma’s Bio-tone Starter Plus from April 23rd – May 11th.
Fertilizing plants in Landscapes and Gardens in April – As plants in our yards come to life with new growth, they benefit from a spring feeding. This feeding helps keep them healthy and vital. It’s especially important after the prolonged drought of last season. Most plants are still struggling to recover and some may not show stress outwardly, but need assistance nutritionally to help combat the onslaught of insects and disease. A spring feeding helps to replenish key nutrients that have been depleted. Perennials, shrubs and smaller trees should be fed twice each year with slow-release, long lasting fertilizers (Espoma Organic’s Holly-Tone, Plant-Tone, Bone Meal, Bulb-Tone, etc.). Blooming evergreens like azaleas and rhododendron are best fed in the spring at the first hint of bloom color. Berry crops should be fed twice; early spring and late spring (45-60 days apart).
Mulching in April – Now is the perfect time to dress existing landscape and garden beds with a fresh layer of mulch. Check out our premium selections of both bulk and bagged mulch products for pick up or delivery within our local area. To keep mulched areas weed free, apply pre-emergent weed control (Treflan). For best results in controlling weeds in mulched areas, re-apply weed preventer every 6 weeks through July.
Insect, Disease, and Pest Control on Susceptible Trees, Shrubs, Roses, and Perennials – Virtually every plant is vulnerable to something. As they push new growth and buds turn into blooms, insects and diseases also reemerge and begin their season of infestation and infection. Protection is essential to achieve the beauty you hope to enjoy all season long. This season it’s especially important to protect plants in landscapes and gardens, due to the excessive stress from last year’s drought. We’re still behind in rainfall, thus plants are still suffering stress. A stressed plant is a vulnerable plant and insects will exploit that vulnerability.
BioAdvanced Tree & Shrub Protect & Feed controls most varieties of chewing and sucking insects for the entire growing season with a single, systemic application. Applied as a soil drench at the base of trees and shrubs, it is absorbed by the roots and translocated throughout the plant providing full coverage from base to branches to leaves. Whether insects chew or suck on leaves or burrow into bark, BioAdvanced’s systemic protection stops them! Apply ONE time for 12 months of coverage. Easy to use and highly effective! Be sure to take advantage of our BioAdvanced Tree & Shrub 32oz. Concentrate Reg. ($32.99) Sale $26.99 NOW through April 30th.
Animal Repellents – The rebirth of vegetation is like ringing the dinner bell for wildlife. Protect your beloved plants by utilizing liquid or granular repellents or erecting barriers. Repellents are best applied every 2-3 weeks, as well as after a rain for maximum effectiveness. We offer several brands of deer, rabbit, goose, cat & dog repellents in liquid and granular form. All are guaranteed by the manufacturer.
Birds in April – The birds are very active now in our yards and at Lawn Depot. Many birds will be migrating back to our area for the warmer season. Hummingbirds are in this group and typically begin to arrive around late April. To attract these beautiful creatures to your yard, you need to start setting out feeders by Mid-April. Hummingbirds are territorial and will stay near their food source all season. Stock up and save on hummingbird feeders and supplies this month – enjoy 30% off all hummingbird feeders, food and accessories from April 11th – April 30th. Our garden center offers a terrific selection of birdseed, feeders and accessories, including squirrel deterrent feeders too. Come on over and check them out!
We can’t wait for this season to begin! There’s much to be done and we’re ready to assist you with all your lawn and gardening plans and needs. Be sure to stay on top of our latest store promotions and sales throughout the 2025 season. Just sign up for our email blasts at www.lawndepotinc.com and like us on Facebook and Instagram. We’re your friendly neighborhood garden center and we absolutely LOVE what we do!