Are you eager to start planting your southern vegetable garden this month of April? Here are a few things to do.
Plant a wide selection of vegetables this month, such as Pole Beans, Broccoli, Cantaloupe, Corn, Spinach and Squash (summer or winter). Furthermore, you can still plant eggplant and pepper transplants this month.
Plant Corn
In most areas, planting corn two weeks after the last spring frost is ideal. This will guarantee you and your family a fresh crop for enjoyment and sustenance.
Crop rotation is the practice of planting unrelated crops in successive plantings to prevent disease accumulation in the soil. For instance, spring-planted radishes are followed by green beans and fall-planted garlic in summer; cucumbers are replaced by English peas or Irish potatoes; sweet corn by winter squash and pumpkins.
Many southern gardeners look forward to harvesting corn in April. It produces a rich, sweet, delicious harvest that’s sure to please even the pickiest palate.
A successful corn crop requires a significant amount of hard work. Hand pollination and regular irrigation are essential elements for producing an abundant and healthy harvest.
Prepare the ground for planting by hilling up dirt around corn stalks to keep them stable in strong winds, and driving stakes at both ends of beds with twine running between them for extra support. This is especially critical in low desert areas such as Arizona where monsoon corn thrives.
Floating row-cover can help protect your garden from birds, corn borers and other pests by trapping leaves for small holes. Be sure to inspect the leaves regularly for signs of damage and spray with Bt if there are any new holes found. Insecticides are necessary against some pests; however, prevention is usually the best strategy in most cases.
Fertilize Corn
Once the corn seedlings reach one to two feet in height, fertilize them as needed with a nitrogen-based all-purpose starter fertilizer that has an N-P-K ratio of 4-3-3. Nitrogen encourages plant growth and allows the corn plants to reach full size and yield. Phosphorus aids in tassel formation as well as flower development while potassium fosters vigorous root, stem, blossom and fruit development.
Before planting corn, prepare the soil by turning a generous layer of compost into the top 8 to 10 inches. This will give young plants an advantage by improving fertility levels in the soil while keeping weeds at bay.
Apply a balanced fertilizer with the recommended amounts of lime, as needed, based on your soil test results. Ideal garden soil should be rich, fertile and well-drained with a pH range between 6.0 to 7.
Once corn seedlings emerge from the ground, thin them out so they are spaced 12 inches apart. Utilizing succession planting, repeat this process every four weeks or so until harvest.
In the early weeks of a corn crop, plants may appear pale yellowish-green. This is an indication of a nitrogen deficiency.
To prevent this, we suggest applying nitrogen in small doses throughout the season. This split application minimizes the risk of substantial nitrogen loss due to wet weather and ensures there is always enough available for optimal corn performance.
Audit Your Irrigation System
Optimizing the performance of your watering system requires routine maintenance. Not only will this save you money in the long run, but it will also keep your garden looking its best.
One of the simplest and most efficient ways to water your plants is with a drip irrigation system. These subsurface lines feature emitters spaced 12-18 inches apart, effectively watering your roots while reducing evaporation and wastewater losses.
Most local hardware stores carry drip systems; to check them out for yourself, ask a knowledgeable sales associate.
While you’re at it, take a good look at your sprinklers and valves for signs of wear and tear. Check for cracked heads or worn diaphragms in solenoid valves; additionally, inspect the valve box and replace broken or worn washers as necessary. Lastly, do you have a water timer installed? By scheduling your irrigation system to run at certain times of day or week, you will save yourself the hassle of having to remember. You can program the timer to water your landscape at various intervals throughout the day, giving you peace of mind without worrying when your system will water. Automating this task for home gardeners who are short on time will be a real benefit; they even have the option to turn on at night if their gardens require it.
Plant Okra
Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is a widely beloved vegetable with an extended growing season and high heat tolerance. It comes in various vibrant, eye-catching varieties that can be fried, pickled or used to thicken soups and gumbos. With its lush tropical foliage, fragrant hibiscus flowers, and edible fruit pods it makes for a statement plant.
Okra is a warm-season vegetable that requires full sun and hot temperatures with evenings in the 60s to thrive. To ensure success, the soil should be well drained and rich in organic matter. Before planting, prepare the soil by pulling weeds and amending with compost or aged manure. Afterwards, fertilize okra regularly with a balanced liquid fertilizer every month.
Depending on your climate and growing zone, you may want to start with some okra seedlings indoors or transplant them outdoors in early April. Keep in mind that it takes several weeks for plants to establish themselves and produce a harvest.
Once the plants reach a height of three inches, thin them out to 18-24 inches apart and water deeply for strong roots.
Okra is a summer vegetable that thrives in full sun and hot, humid weather. To grow optimally, the soil should have an acidity level around 6 and be well drained; if your garden lacks proper fertility, try adding high potash low nitrogen fertilizer like 10-10-10 to the mix for improved growth.
Okra pods with spines can cause itching, so wear gloves when harvesting. Some varieties, referred to as “spinless,” have fewer of these protrusions on their pods for easier harvesting.
Plant Eggplant and Pepper Transplants
March is an ideal month to sow seeds of eggplant and pepper transplants indoors. Once frost has passed and temperatures have warmed up enough, you can transplant your seedlings outside in your garden.
Seeds should be planted in flats or peat pots at least 1/4 inch deep. Once soil temperatures have warmed and the risk of last spring frost has passed, seedlings can be spaced 24-30 inches apart in rows 3 feet apart.
Maintain a sufficient water supply for plants’ roots, allowing them to reach a depth of at least 6 inches but not become waterlogged. If the soil is dry, mulch around the roots to conserve moisture and inhibit weed growth.
Cool nights or hot days can inhibit fruit development in eggplants, so cover them on cold nights and provide shade on sunny days. Furthermore, ensure the temperature doesn’t dip below 55degF or rise above 95degF when these fruits are developing.
Temperatures are critical in the germination and growth of transplants, so having a soil thermometer handy will help determine the right temperature for your vegetables. Some seeds germinate better at lower temperatures than others, so always check the instructions on your seed packet to make sure you’re planting in ideal conditions.
Tender transplants such as beets, carrots, cucumber, lettuce, peas, radish and squash should be started in a cold frame for one to two weeks before planting in your garden. This acclimatization period greatly improves their chances of thriving once in your environment.
Inspect Tender New Growth
Aphids are a garden plant pest that can be difficult to spot, particularly on young growth. Large infestations of aphids may cause the plant to wilt or die, or both. The best defense is being proactive – particularly in the springtime with using an insecticide, regular watering and reducing weeds. These steps will all help you combat this issue.
To identify aphids, inspect the underside of leaves and stems for clusters of winged pests. This step takes the most time, so be sure to inspect all plants you purchase for signs of aphids or other plant pests.
