Things to do in April:

The first grass clippings of the season are rich in nutrients and contain fewer weed seeds than those collected later. Put them in the compost pile or mow frequently and leave them on the ground.

Some shrubs grow best in acid soils with a pH of about 5.0, these include andromeda, azalea, blueberry, camellia, mountain laurel and rhododendron. At higher pH value, these shrubs may become yellow and have very poor growth.

Prune spring-blooming shrubs, such as forsythia, weigelia, and early spirea, after they have completed flowering.

House plants can be gradually brought outdoors by the middle to end of the month, and any overcrowded specimens can be divided and repotted.

Apple tree exploding with new apples? Peach tree plum full of fruit? For larger, better quality fruit remember to thin is in. Fruit trees should be given an extra jolt of fertilizer during the time of fruit set.

Fire blight can be an early season problem on such susceptible plants as apple, blackberry, cotoneaster, pear, quince, raspberry and pyracantha.

Tired of tomato blossom-end rot? Stir in a small helping of lime to each tomato plant hole at planting time to help prevent those ugly black areas from appearing on your pride and joy crop

Warm Season Vegetables

Beginning in mid-April warm season vegetables can be planted once all danger of frost is past. Below are nine warm season vegetables that can be planted starting in mid-April along with suggested varieties:

Lawn Establishment

Warm season grasses like Bermudagrass, Centipedegrass, and Zoysiagrass can all be seeded beginning in April. Soil temperatures have warmed enough to allow germination to occur. Make sure to remove existing unwanted vegetation and debris, ensure proper drainage, soil test and apply what is recommended, and till the area before seeding. Spread seed and lightly cover by hand raking or dragging a mat or section of chain link fence. Roll the area to firm the surface and get good seed to soil contact. Mulch grass seed with straw at the rate of one bale per 1000 square feet. Keep the area moist until seed germinates.

Tree and Shrub Diseases

Many tree and shrubs diseases become active in April once temperature warm and young, tender foliage is available. Inspect plants weekly to catch disease problems early. If you are not sure what the problem is, have it identified. Plant problems can be identified by bringing samples to the Wayne County Center of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension. Complete samples are needed which includes stems with leaves showing symptoms as well as healthy leaves, fine roots taken from near the edge of the plant, and soil which should be left around roots to prevent drying.

The Plant Doctors Are In...

From March through September, the Wayne County Master Gardener Volunteers solve gardening questions on the telephone and face-to-face at the Cooperative Extension Service in Goldsboro at the corner of George and Chestnut Streets, Room 100. The clinic is open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10 AM-1 PM. The telephone number to the clinic is 731-1433.

Residents are encouraged to bring plant problem samples to the county Extension Center on any weekday. The volunteers will analyze the samples, diagnose the plant problems, contact the person have the gardening question, and provide answers to those questions. Numerous plant problems are solvable on the telephone. However, a plant sample showing the problem really helps to provide accurate diagnosis and management measures. The goal is to give management options, if available, to reduce cost involved. Master Gardeners are representatives of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service. Master Gardener Volunteers are experienced gardeners who want to learn more about growing plants. They receive extensive training through the Cooperative Extension Service. In exchange, they volunteer their knowledge and expertise to the gardening public.

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Recommendations for the use of chemicals are included in this publication as a convenience to the reader. The use of brand names and any mention or listing of commercial products or service does not imply endorsement by the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service nor discrimination against similar products or services not mentioned. Individuals who use chemicals are responsible for ensuring that the intended use complies with current information about usage and examine a current product label before applying any chemical. For assistance, contact an agent of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service.