Gardening

Mulch. A 3-inch layer of mulch around all plantings will maintain soil moisture and deter weeds. In Texas use a Texas native hardwood mulch, which is shredded and resists moving during a hard rain. Mulches such as bark chips or nuggets have a tendency to wash away, leaving the soil bare and creating a maintenance issue.

Q

Compost. Add 1 or 2 inches of compost to bare soil areas to amend the soil, and then lightly work it into your topsoil. I like to use a garden fork to loosen the area up to incorporate the compost, then rake it smooth with a hard rake and add mulch.

Q

Bulbs. Caladium, elephant's ear and lily bulbs can be planted in Texas now, but be sure to plant them at the proper depth. A good rule of thumb is to plant two to three times deeper than the bulb is tall.

Q

Rocky Mountains. “Transplant or divide crowded perennials when new growth emerges,” suggests Colorado landscape designer Jocelyn Chilvers. “Summer and fall bloomers like asters, hummingbird flower (Zauschneria spp), Maximillian sunflower (Helianthus maximiliana), gayfeather (Liatris spp), tall garden phlox (Phlox paniculata), coneflower (Echinacea spp) and ornamental grasses may need attention.” Ger her Rocky Mountains April checklist

Q

by Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens Central Plains. “Resist the urge to prune spring-blooming shrubs, like viburnum, dogwood and spiraea, since they bloom on old growth and not new,” says Nebraska garden consultant Benjamin Vogt. “Once they’re done blooming and setting fruit, you can prune if you need to.” Get his Central Plains April checklist

Q

Texas. "Almost any plant easily grown from seed can be sown this month," says landscape designer Jenny Peterson. "Be sure to check the planting directions on the backs of the seed packets to know the proper planting depth for each seed type."

Q

Gardens for native bees

Q