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Health & Fitness

10 Tips for the April Gardener

1.     Choose planting areas based on exposure to sun, shade, wind and distance from water source.

2.     Purchase onion sets for planting and set 1 inch deep and 4 to 5 inches apart when soil can be worked.

3.     Get the jump on weeds in garden beds by pulling out any that overwinter and applying mulch.

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4.     Early spring is a great time to spot spray or hand-dig dandelions. If spraying, choose a product that won't kill grass. If digging, wait until after a rain, when soil is soft.

5.     Complete removal of diseased, weak, or crossing branches on shrubs and small trees.

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6.     For an instant spring show, fill containers with purchased forced spring bulbs from supermarkets and garden centers.

7.     Celebrate Arbor Day on April 25th by planting a tree.

8.     Continue to apply horticultural oil sprays to control insect pests on fruit trees if temperature is over 40°F.

9.     Spread fertilizer under roses, apple trees and small fruits except strawberries, which are fertilized in late August. 

10.  Freezing temperatures don't harm pansies, but if they have been grown in a greenhouse they should be gradually exposed to outdoor temperatures before planting.

For more information visit UConn Extension and the UConn Home and Garden Education Center.

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