Coastal Region- Christopher Burtt
- Begin to apply fertilizer where needed based on soil test results. If a soil test has not been done, be sure to have one done to better guide the fertilizer needs of the plants.
- Refresh any mulched areas with additional mulch to continue to benefit the plants and soil. Mulch any areas that may need it, especially around trees and areas of bare soil.
- Begin the habit of scouting the garden consistently, looking for any signs of disease, insect infestation or nutrient deficiencies.
- Prune any spring flowering shrubs that have finished blooming, such as azaleas, spirea, and forsythia. Look for any branches on trees and shrubs that are not flushing out, as this may be an indication of disease or dead branches, which can also be removed.
- Plant tender annuals can now go in the ground to fill in areas between shrubs and trees and liven up the garden for spring. You can also plant a variety of perennials.
- Many warm-season vegetables can go in the ground now the last chance of frost has passed. Be sure to plant vegetables according to the recommended planting date.
- Turfgrass should be greening up, which means scouting for any problem areas. Do not apply fertilizers containing Nitrogen yet. Post-emergent herbicides can be applied once turf is fully out of dormancy. Turf can be sprigged or sodded now as the soil temperatures warm. Seeding should wait for soil temperatures to get above at least 70 °F.
- Winter weeds are mature now, and many are in flower. To reduce their spread, cut the flowers from them before seed is produced. The best method of controlling weeds in garden beds is to weed them consistently and often to stay on top of it.
- With the emergence of new growth and the applications of fertilizer, water needs will increase. Monitor the rainfall and supplement where needed.
- Be sure to water in the morning and avoid wetting the leaves of plants to avoid disease.
Many cool-season weeds are flowering right now, such as this Poa annua.
Christopher Burtt, ©2024, Clemson Extension
If white clover does become a problem in a turf area, it can be dug up easily before it is well established.
Christopher Burtt, ©2024, Clemson Extension
Flame azalea in bloom.
Christopher Burtt, ©2024, Clemson Extension
Midlands Region- Carmen Ketron
- Winter damage to shrubs and trees is more apparent as they begin to leaf out in spring. Now is the time to prune shrubs that show signs of dieback. Use proper techniques when pruning.
- Early spring is the time to fertilize shrubs and trees. However, not all plants suffer because of fertilizer needs. Observe plants for nutrient deficiency symptoms and get a soil test or plant tissue analysis to determine individual plant needs.
- Check irrigation systems before turning them on for the season. Spring is a great time to reset and recalibrate your irrigation sprinklers.
- Transplant warm season vegetable transplants in April. Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, lettuce, and other greens can all be set out. Make sure the young plants are properly hardened off before putting them out in the garden.
- Direct seed warm-season vegetables into the garden soil. Cucumbers, leeks, potatoes, sweet corn, radishes, summer squash, turnips, and rutabagas can all be seeded in April.
- April is the time to replant patio containers, hanging baskets and window boxes. Remember to replenish with potting mix and choose plants that do well in containers. A fresh and delicious option is to incorporate edible flowers and greens such as kale and nasturtium flowers into your containers.
- When out shopping for new garden additions, make sure to consider the gardening principle “right plant, right place,” taking site considerations into account before purchasing plants for a specific area of the garden.
Edible Swiss chard and mustard greens make vibrant and tasty additions to container beds.
Carmen Ketron, ©2024, Clemson Extension
This low lying rain garden used specific plants that were well suited for the site conditions of the garden based on the principles of “right plant, right place”.
Carmen Ketron, ©2024, Clemson Extension
Direct seeding crops is easier if you run string line or ruler down the row to keep a straight line. It also helps to have multiple people help.
Carmen Ketron, ©2024, Clemson Extension
Upstate Region- Briana Naumuk
- Spring has sprung here in the upstate. Lots of things have started to bloom here, such as forsythia, saucer magnolias, and azaleas. Don’t let all these blooms fool you; we still aren’t past our last frost date. The last frost typically occurs between mid-April and mid-May. So, keep an eye on the weather as you start thinking about getting outside to garden.
- Houseplants that were brought inside for the winter can be moved out after the last frost.
- After the fear of frost has passed, you can begin to plant warm-season vegetables. It is really easy to plant more than what you need/can eat. So, make sure you have a solid plan for what you are going to plant and how much.
- Now is a good time to plant cool-season vegetables like lettuce, broccoli, and collards. These vegetables prefer the cooler temperatures of spring and can begin to fade as warm temperatures come. Make sure you get them in the ground in time so they can be harvested before it gets too warm.
- This is a great time to freshen the mulch in the landscape. Mulch helps with weed suppression, moisture retention, and adds organic matter as it breaks down. Keep in mind that more isn’t better when it comes to mulch. Only add 2 to 3 inches of mulch to an area, and make sure the mulch isn’t piled up at the base of plants.
- You can begin to apply fertilizer where needed based on soil sample results. If you haven’t already taken soil samples, it is never too late. However, you should wait to fertilize your warm-season lawn until it greens up.
A Marble Queen Pothos (Epipremnum aureum ‘Marble Queen’) is well suited for growing inside in low light conditions.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2015 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Zoysia lawn in green-up stage on April 1, 2021 in Columbia, SC.
Jackie Jordan ©2021, Clemson Extension
Seed wide beds of lettuce and harvest whole plants to thin or cut leaves for salads.
Laura Lee Rose, ©2021, Clemson Extension
