Planting Annuals (Flowers and Vegetables) in the Ground in April – Every year, we’re asked when we will have warm season vegetables and flowers. With the exception of cold crop vegetables and pansies, most flowers and vegetables that we plant in this region ARE NOT FROST HARDY! The 2023 USDA Hardiness Zone Map puts our area in Zone 7a, with an average last frost date of May 1st – May 10th. Aside from the possibility of frost damage, soil temperature dictates plant growth and development. Cold soil shocks tender annual plants resulting in them just sit there. When planted in warm soil, plants take off both in root and top growth. You’ll have happier, more robust plants when you plant in warm soil. So, to save you the temptation of planting too soon, we wait until late April to bring susceptible annuals and vegetables in for sale.
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 (Coast of Maine 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 15th – April 30th.
Fertilizing plants in Landscapes and Gardens in April – As Mother Nature awakens and plants in our yards come to life with new growth, they benefit from a spring feeding. This feeding helps keep them healthy and vital. 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.
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 from April 12th through April 30th, plus a rebate you can either complete online or mail in that could save you up to $10 for every $35.00 spent. Limit up to 3 rebates per household.
Animal Repellents are essential in protecting our valuable plants from decimation by various animals. The rebirth of vegetation is like ringing the dinner bell. 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. 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. Refresh your hummingbird supplies this month and enjoy 25% off all hummingbird feeders, food and accessories from April 12th – April 30th. Our garden center offers a terrific selection of birdseed, feeders and accessories, including squirrel deterrent feeders. Come on over and check them out!