ArtCentrics


April Monthly Update

Hot Topic

Summer planting - It is time to plan and plant your summer vegetables. A couple of my favorites are sweet potatoes and okra. They are both really gorgeous plants and they love the hot weather. Be aware that the okra will need to be picked every other or every day to get them when they are still young and tender. The sweet potato vine is very prolific and best if planted in a contained area. If you are planning to take a break over the summer, consider growing a cover crop in your planting bed. Cover crops like peas, beans, oats, can be very beneficial.

Do List

  • Turn the compost pile.
  • Use mulch on all bare soil.
  • Dead head roses.
  • Place shade cloth (no more than 50%) over tomatoes to keep out leaf hoppers.
  • Fertilize your producing vegetable plants, newly planted trees & shrubs.

Don’t List

  • Don’t cheat on soil preparation.
  • Don’t fertilize dormant Bermuda until late April/May.
  • Don’t delay pest or weed control.

Planting

Note: White font listed items identify "Ideal" planting time items
  • Vegetables
    • Seeds
      •  snap beans, carrots, corn, cucumbers, jicama, okra, green onions, radish, summer squash
    • Transplants
      • None
  • Herbs
    • Anise, Basil, Bay, Caraway, Chamomile, Chives, Epazote, French Tarragon, Lemon grass, Marjoram, Mint, Oregano, Rue, Safflower, Savory, Thyme
  • Flowers
    • Alyssum, Begonias, Chrysanthemum, Celosia, Coreopsis, Cosmos, Gaillardia, Hibiscus, Hollyhock, Mirabilis jalapa, Marigold, Petunia, Portulaca, Society garlic, Sunflower, Vinca, Zinnia
  • Fruit
    • Cantaloupe
    • Transplants
      • Grape, all sub-tropical

Recipes of the Month