April 2004

Edible

• Harden off cool season vegetable transplants before exposing them to cool temperatures, wind and sun. Gradually introduce them to the outdoor environment over a seven to ten day period.
  
• Use a water-soluble starter fertilizer to water in vegetable transplants. A starter fertilizer is high in phosphorus, which helps to promote good root development, getting the plant off to a good start. The most common water-soluble starter fertilizers like 5-10-5, 10-52-17 or 8-32-16 should be used at the rate of one to two tablespoons per gallon of water. Use one to two cups of the fertilizer to water around the roots of the plant.
  
  
• To sow very fine vegetable seeds like carrots, mix with sand or vermiculite.
  
  
• Make cages for tomato plants with concrete reinforcing wire. Call 773-233-0476 for a fact sheet.
  
  
• Plan to group tall vegetables like corn and tomatoes together at the north end of your garden to avoid shading smaller vegetables.

Ornamental

• Purchase lawn fertilizer with slow release or controlled release nitrogen. Slow release nitrogen promotes consistent growth, releasing nitrogen slowly over an extended period of time without burning the grass.
  
  
• Apply pre-emergent crabgrass killer in late April. Crabgrass will not germinate until soil temperatures reach 60° F.
  
  
• Do not use crabgrass killers if you are trying to seed a new lawn or bare spots. Only Siduron[Tupersan] will not kill the germinating grass seed. Siduron is usually found in combination with a starter fertilizer for the lawn.
  
  
• Do not apply mulch around plants now. Covering the soil now will keep it cool and moist. Wait until late May to apply a two to three inch layer of mulch around plants.
  
  
• Mow groundcovers to remove winter-browned foliage. Set the mower to its highest setting. After mowing, fertilize and water to promote new growth.
  
  
• Prune back overgrown yews and junipers by a third this spring and again the following two springs to return the plant to a manageable height. Yews have dormant buds along older stems that will grow new stems and foliage. Yews will recover well from heavy pruning unlike junipers. Cut junipers back to green growth only.
  
  
• Plan to plant your parkway with tough perennials like the coneflower, yarrow, black-eyed susans, coreopsis, sedum or yucca.
  
  
• Select Easter lilies that have several flower buds that are just starting to open. Pull off the yellow stamens. This will prolong the life of the flower. Keep them in a cool room.
  
  
• Sign up for Home Lawn Self-Study written by University of Illinois horticulturists. Course covers all the basics of lawn care; seeding, sodding, watering, mowing, fertilization, weeds, grubs and lawn diseases. There is a charge of $15.00 for the three lesson course. For more information call 773-233-0476.
  
  
• Come to the Garden Faire 2004 at the Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences at 3857 West 111th Street in Chicago on Saturday, May 1-8:30 am - 4 pm. A one day horticulture event with seminars and workshops on topics that include roses, water gardens, lawn care, vegetables, beekeeping and much more. Mike Nowak of WGN radio's " Let's Talk Gardening " show will keynote the Faire. Advance registration required. Call 773-233-0476 for registration information. Fee to attend Faire is $30.00 which includes lunch.