April gardening tips | Brevard County, Florida

It has been a very dry few months here in Brevard County, and April is normally a relatively dry month as well. So in addition to transitioning to warm-weather crops and flowers, we need to make sure they stay watered. Remember, healthy plants are less prone to insect attacks, disease, and fungus.

Check your irrigation system

Make sure that “all systems are a go” as the sunny days get longer. Clean sprinkler heads and adjust the range to make sure you are watering only your lawn and garden and not your driveway and street.

If you water with well water, you might want to get your water tested
(free service at Rockledge Gardens), since salt content can change from
time to time depending on rainfall.

Finally, be sure to set your system to run only twice per week, and don’t forget to turn the system off when we get good rainfall. Our water is a precious commodity.

Scout and inspect your landscape for pests

Spring flowers are beginning to bloom this month, which also encourages the arrival of insects in the landscape.

Please note that the majority of insects are beneficial, such as ladybugs, praying mantids, or assassin bugs and they will assist you in keeping pests under control.

If you notice pests, remove them by hand before they have a chance to grow, reproduce and really become a problem.

Consider planting groundcovers as an alternative to grass

There are many options available; many groundcovers require less care, chemicals, and water than turfgrasses do.

Mulch flower and shrub beds

Conserve water and help deter weed growth by applying a 2-3 inch thick layer of mulch in your planters and around trees.

Prune azaleas when blooms have expired

After pruning, fertilize with Holly Tone.

Watch for thrips on your roses and gardenias

Thrips affect rose and gardenia buds in particular (and seem partial to light colors), causing discoloration and bud drops.

Thrips can be controlled with a natural pyrethrin spray. Using blue insect trap cards can also be effective.

It’s a great time to plant tropical fruit trees and citrus

Grow your own food! Use this month to plant a tropical fruit or citrus tree.

We have a great selection to choose from. Visit our food forest for inspiration.

Butterflies are very active in the warmer season.

Consider planting a butterfly garden this month. Visit our newly revamped butterfly garden for some inspiration.

Butterflies aren’t picky eaters, and they will pretty much feed on any flowering plant you have to offer. Caterpillars, on the other hand, are super picky and only prefer certain plants called “host plants”.

Support our native species by selecting Florida native plants. Remember—no pesticides!

Annuals and perennials to plant now

Vegetables and herbs to plant now