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22 different tomato seedlings under grow lights.

Wordless Wednesday: April Garden

They say April showers bring May flowers, but it’s more like February rains bring April abundance here in Los Angeles. Color and new life reign supreme in the April garden, as we transition from winter to summer crops in a flash. It’s time to plant warm-weather crops in warm-winter climates. Here’s a look at what’s growin’ on in our Test Garden.

A volunteer sunflower begins to open. We've tried growing them deliberately for years and it never works. Now we have 3 volunteers and we're leaving them.
A volunteer sunflower begins to open. We’ve tried growing them deliberately for years and it never works. Now we have 3 volunteers and we’re leaving them.
Dill going to seed. These umbels attract beneficial insects to the garden.
Dill going to seed. These umbels attract beneficial insects to the garden.
22 different tomato seedlings under grow lights.
22 different tomato seedlings under grow lights.
Butternut squash seedling pokes out of the seed tray.
Butternut squash seedling pokes out of the seed tray.
California poppies and calendula help provide pollen and nectar.
California poppies and calendula help provide pollen and nectar.
Winter squash and cucumbers start to take over a garden bed.
Winter squash and cucumbers start to take over a garden bed.
Sage volunteered in a small pot. We'll transplant it out soon.
Sage volunteered in a small pot. We’ll transplant it out soon.
We neglected our roses, but they don't seem to mind.
We neglected our roses, but they don’t seem to mind.

rose

Our blackberries are flowering. Soon we'll have fruit.
Our blackberries are flowering after we hacked them back late. They are recovering fine and soon we’ll have fruit.
Volunteer cilantro bolts to seed. We'll harvest and puree with a little oil and freeze it for later.
Volunteer cilantro bolts to seed. We’ll harvest and puree with a little oil and freeze it for later.
Black Magic Kale is supposed to be bred for hot weather. We'll see...
Black Magic Kale is supposed to be bred for hot weather. We’ll see…
Borage, California native milkweed and trumpet vine for bees and butterflies.
Borage, California native milkweed, and trumpet vine for bees and butterflies.
Wisteria finishes up its bloom time. Sweet smells abound.
Wisteria finishes up its bloom time. Sweet smells abound.

Enjoy your April garden and get out there and plant something!

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This Post Has 2 Comments

  1. Carole Webb April 14, 2016 Reply

    Hello
    I have property in Wyoming and although we do get sunshine all the time it snows here until June what I plant in containers so I can put them in the garage to keep them safe from snow and hail do you recommend something else I can do to plant in Wyoming?

    Thanks

    1. Christy April 14, 2016 Reply

      My first thought is to grow varieties specific to containers. Renee’s Garden Seeds has a whole line of veggies bred for growing in containers. I think you’ll find more success with those varieties. Definitely stick to short season crops that have “days to maturity” listed under 90 days if you can. You can also use insulated garden fabric (Gardener’s Supply carries some for home gardeners, Peaceful Valley Farm and Garden Supply carries larger quantities for farmers) to start your crops sooner and keep them warm and protected later in the season (of course, start seeds indoors under grow lights, too). You may want to check out Nikki Jabour’s book on the Year-Round Gardener. She lives in Canada and grows food all year. Her tips will help you, I’m sure.

      I hope this helps!

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