Successful gardening in North Texas depends on doing the right things at the right time.
Find Gardening To-Do Tips for each month on dcmga. com!
Learn what to do in the yard and garden with gardening tips specifically for Denton County and North Texas.
April
Plant: In most parts of North Texas, it is safe to plant warm weather crops into garden beds. Always check the 10-day forecast just in case a very late freeze is predicted. If you have been growing indoors, remember to harden off the new plants before you plant outside. Let new seedlings spend a few hours, and then days outside in dappled sun to become adjusted to their new environment. Make sure they don’t get sunburned. See below starting from seeds link.
It’s time to plant seeds outdoors for beans, squash, okra, cucumbers and melons.
Still a good time to plant all types of trees, shrubs and perennials. Plant roses and summer flowering shrubs.
Fertilize: Fertilize roses if not done in March.
Organic Option: Roses will benefit from a foliar spray of organic amendments. Drench soil as well. Compost and mulch the area well.
Fertilize warm weather grasses with nitrogen. Don’t use more than the recommended amount. Be mindful of the run-off of unnecessary fertilizing. See below the Agrilife article for more comprehensive information.
Prune: Most major pruning should be completed. Prune fruit trees at bud break. Prune any suckers or water spouts. Pruning of red oaks is not recommended until after July.
If Spring flowering plants have finished blooming, you can prune. Not before, or you will lose the season’s flowers.
Timely Tasks: Depending on the weather, we need to think about water needs. One inch per week is needed for most plants and lawns. In a wet Spring, this is not an issue, however, if it’s dry just remember to water. Especially, watch any new plantings. It takes trees and woody shrubs up to 2 years to become established.
Make sure tree flares are visible and that no mulch or weeds are near the trunk. Once the threat of a freeze has passed, put out bird feeders and waterers.
May
Plant: It is safe to plant all warm season grasses, flowers and tropicals. Plant melons. No freeze warnings are likely in May. If you have harvested cool weather vegetables, you now have additional room for a summer crop. Plant early in the month to avoid the heat that is coming. Great time to start an herb garden. Plant extra dill, fennel and rue for Swallowtail caterpillars. Plant ground covers, paying close attention to sun requirements. Plant annuals in containers for a beautiful summer display.
Fertilize: Use a good root stimulator when planting. Fertilize fruit trees over the whole root zone with a 2” layer of compost or 21-0-0. Do not let any fertilizer touch the trunk, as this can cause rot and disease.
Prune: Climbing roses can be pruned after their first bloom. Other roses can be pruned as needed to promote more blooms. It’s always a good time to remove dead and dying branches. Red Oak trees are susceptible to oak wilt. Pruning is not recommended until after July.
Timely Tasks: Weed your garden beds when weeds are small. Much easier! Keep mulch down to eliminate many of the annual weeds. Check the correct mowing height for your particular lawn. Mow according to its needs. Cutting grass too low can create issues and weaken the root system. Leave clippings on the lawn. Start thinking about a fall garden. You can start tomato and pepper seeds indoors through June for planting in the garden in July/August. Set up additional bird feeders, and a water source. Don’t forget the hummingbirds.
Disease or Insects: Watch for any insect damage. Grasshoppers and caterpillars can be destructive. Bacillus Thuringiensis is quite effective to control caterpillars and has less of an impact on the environment.
Keep an eye on tomato and pepper plants for signs of disease. Leaves that are curling or turning a lighter color can mean you need to take action. Always keep tomato leaves above soil level and keep the area mulched.
- Denton County Master Gardener Association
