Minnesota April Garden Guide

Today is the first day of April, but it feels more like late February with snow and sleet on the way later this evening. It is cold, rainy, and windy, not a day to be outdoors. The Minnesota Twins started up their season last week, which is a definite signal that spring has arrived. Spring bulbs will soon be emerging from their winter sleep to splash colors upon our still brown gardens. I have yet to see a tulip or daffodil, but my chives are showing small spikes of green already. While we patiently wait a little longer until our hands can hit the soil, check out my list of other garden to-do’s in the month of April.

• Check on milk jug greenhouses and vent or water if needed when there is warm weather
• Stay off the grass and garden areas if wet to avoid compaction which can damage soil structure
• Divide fall blooming perennials such as hostas
• Check indoor seedlings daily and re-pot any that are growing out of current containers- Use a fan on seedlings to promote air circulation and stem strength.
• Plant frost hardy vegetables in a cold frame such as brassicas, leafy greens, radishes, and carrots
• Buy a big bowl of bold colorful pansies
• Take a garden education class!!!
• Fertilize indoor houseplants
• Make a list of pollinator plants to add to the landscape
• Disinfect tools and equipment
• Turn the compost pile
• Celebrate Arbor Day and plant a new native tree
• Inspect garden for early blooms
• Water if needed
• Sow seeds: There is still time to start tomatoes if done early. Many annual flowers can be started this month. Check seed packets for specific timing.
• Get a soil test from the Soil testing for lawns and gardens | UMN Extension
• Read Northern Gardener magazine for inspiration and useful Minnesota garden advice
• Plan a family Earth Day activity
• Fill those bird feeders
• Do not rush into spring cleanup- many pollinators and beneficial insects are still overwintering in leaf litter

April Calendar

National Gardening Month

Sign: Aries & Taurus

Flower: Daisy

Gem: Diamond

1- Happy April Fool’s Day

2- Peanut Butter and Jelly Day

3- Burrito Day

4- Carrot Day

5- Deep Dish Pizza Day

6- Library Day

7- Beer Day

8- Zoo Lover’s Day

9- Unicorn Day

10- Siblings Day

11- Pet Day

12- Full Pink Moon

13- Scrabble Day

14- Gardening Day

15- Laundry Day

16- Orchid Day

17- High-Five Day

18- Good Friday

19- Garlic Day

20- Happy Easter

21- Tea Day

22- Earth Day

23- Picnic Day

24- Pigs in a Blanket Day

25- Arbor Day

26- Pretzel Day

27- Prime Rib Day

28- Superhero Day

29- Astronomy Day

30- Golf Day

The louder the frog, the more rain to come