April 01, 2022

April Garden Guide, Zone 10

April air is filled with anticipation and preparations for summer's harvest. Gardeners can finally see the first literal fruits of their labor, springing forth from the flowers on fruit trees and berry bushes.

The last frost date in my area, California’s Zone 10, is usually around, April 15th. This will be an ideal month to start warm weather crops, such as peppers and sweet potatoes.

Heat waves are very likely to happen this time of year. Be ready and water any transplants or new seedlings diligently. We are in another drought year, I like to interplant my garden beds and companion plant to garden in a water-wise way by packing in as much as I can, to utilize water efficiently.

If you listen, you might hear the chirps and buzzing of busy birds and bees. It’s so exciting to watch the birds flit about my garden to-and-fro, especially since I suspect we have a mating pair of ruby throated hummingbirds. The birds in our garden are building nests with weeds and leftover twine. It’s a nice time to help them out by freshening up the bird bath and adding some nectar rich lavender for the hummingbirds.

Make a Hummingbird Garden

Attracting Beneficial Insects and Pollinators

TO DO LIST

Add hummingbird friendly plants.
Add companion plants near crops.
Check fruit trees for water needs.
Check trees and plants for disease and treat with compost, worm castings, and if necessary horticultural oils.
Release the lady bugs and lacewing larvae to treat any aphid infestations.
Watch the weather, and transplant your four-leaved seedlings right before a rain.
Pull weeds after a rainy day.
Water during the day to avoid disease.
Collect herbs (before they bolt) to dry and store for later use.