Lucie Monk Carter
“Candy” straight from the backyard is a treat for Rouse’s two toddlers.
LSU AgCenter agent Lee Rouse uses his own yard as testing ground for plant propagation, chicken rearing, and getting his children to eat vegetables. Below, he offers nine tips, sorted into three categories, that the smart springtime gardener will follow. Read more about Rouse in our March 2019 article here.
Vegetables
- Prepare beds by pulling out old vegetables and weed. Add compost and fresh mulch.
- Plant in April: cantaloupe, collards, corn, cucumber, eggplant*, honeydew, lima beans, okra, peppers*, pumpkin, snap beans, Southern peas, squashes, Swiss chard, tomato*, and watermelon.
- Herbs to plant include basil, lemon balm*, mints*, lemon grass*, lemon verbena*, and rosemary*. (* plant transplants)
Ornamentals
- Prune spring flowering shrubs after blooming such as spirea, viburnum, azalea, camellia, and jasmine. Be sure to have a specific purpose in mind before pruning.
- Spring weeds are beginning to germinate. Mulch with leaves, pine straw, pink back or other material. Apply at least 3 inches to help control weeds and conserve moisture.
- Plant caladium tubers or transplants. Caladiums are great for shady area, and look great with liriope, begonia, hosta, and coleus.
Lawns
- Be sure mowers are set to the correct height. St. Augustine 2-3 inches. Centipede 1-2 inches
- Pre-emergent herbicides can still be applied in April to prevent weed seed from germinating.
- Do not fertilize lawn until you have mowed at least twice, this ensures that the lawn is actively growing.
Follow along with Rouse on Instagram, @rouses_horticulture.
