A P R I L

This is a busy time, as it is the last month which temperatures are
warm enough to plant seedlings and winter bulbs.
It is also the best time to lift and divide perennials, plant woody
plants e.g. trees, shrubs and climbers. These transplanted plants
continue to make roots although the upper plant is dormant, plus the
evaporation rate of soil moisture is much reduced. Therefore they do
not have to be irrigated as much as in summer. By spring these plants
have established and rapid growth occurs as the temperatures start to
rise.

Bulbs

Summer bulbs should have been lifted, and the last indigenous and
exotic winter flowering bulbs should be planted.
Remember to feed them prior to and after emergence of shoots to keep
them growing well. Also keep them well catered during their growing
period so that their flowers do not abort.
Tulips are available at the end of April. Plant them at the correct
depth and dust them with Karbadust.

Annuals and Perennials

Plant the last of your winter flowering annuals during the early
part of April to ensure early winter flowering.
Start making provision for the protection of frost-tender plants
e.g. hessian, kay-cover, mulching etc.
Gradually reduce water program by lengthening the period between
each irrigation.
Remember that plants which originate from winter rainfall areas,
must be given water on a regular basis during winter. It is a good
idea to group these plants together in the garden, so they can be
treated all the same.

Conifers

Watch for the symptoms of the Italian Aphid. Spray small conifers
with Complete or Dimethoate and the larger conifers can be treated at
the root zone every 6 weeks with Complete/ Koinor/ Meridian.