We know half the country is still blanketed with snow, but April is off the chain in southern gardens. It’s going gangbusters here, folks. Come August/September our garden will look like death warmed over (scorched, in fact) so this is our time to enjoy the benefits of rain and cooler temperatures.
![Carrot harvest includes (left to right) Pusa Asita, Cosmic Purple, Yellowstone and Red Core Chantenay.](https://gardenerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/IMG_5155.jpg)
![Sylvia and the other hens eat the carrot tops.](https://gardenerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/IMG_5158.jpg)
![Strawberries covered with bird netting. We harvest every one.](https://gardenerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/IMG_5161.jpg)
![Let cilantro go to seed. It benefits bees., parasitic wasps and other beneficial insects. We'll let this re-seed itself and hopefully have cilantro again soon.](https://gardenerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/IMG_5162.jpg)
![Trying Tithonia (Mexican sunflower) for the butterflies this year. Success!](https://gardenerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/IMG_5127.jpg)
![Jerusalem sage is going off right now.](https://gardenerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/IMG_5135.jpg)
![Hummingbird sage stretches toward the sun. It will re-seed itself nearby.](https://gardenerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/IMG_5136.jpg)
![The bees are loving this Ceanothus (California Lilac).](https://gardenerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/IMG_5143.jpg)
![Winnetka Purple artichokes are showing off. Grown from seed last year. They are delicious.](https://gardenerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/IMG_5130.jpg)
![Navel oranges are setting fruit as we pick the last of the winter crop.](https://gardenerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/IMG_5140.jpg)
![Our new Snow Queen low-chill nectarine is proving successful.](https://gardenerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/IMG_5145.jpg)
![Santa Rosa plum is starting to flower and leaf out. Come July we'll have deep red fruits.](https://gardenerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/IMG_5147.jpg)
What’s growin’ on in your garden or greenhouse? Starting seeds under grow lights? Sprouting cucumbers in the garden? Transplanting tomatoes into pots? Post a picture to Instagram and tag @gardenerd1.