April is the month that marks the true waking of nature, a period in which our garden begins to transform into a place of lush activity. The preparation of the soil becomes crucial, as it is necessary to break up clumps, eliminate weeds, and improve the soil structure with compost or manure. Furthermore, it is the ideal time to use the seedbed, thus anticipating the growth of plants like eggplants, tomatoes, and zucchinis, while transplanting cabbages, leeks, and asparagus for a future harvest.
The essentials in a few points
- 🌱 April marks the waking of nature and the beginning of activities in the garden.
- 🛠️ The preparation of the soil is fundamental: breaking clumps and eliminating weeds.
- 🥔 Potatoes can be planted in April; the harvest occurs between 70 and 120 days.
- 🍆 The seedbed offers an ideal environment for eggplants, tomatoes, and zucchinis, anticipating growth.
- 🌿 April is also the month for transplanting cabbages, leeks, and asparagus for a future harvest.
April: the spring awakening in the garden
April is the month that marks the true waking of nature, a period in which our garden begins to transform into a place of lush activity. The days lengthen, temperatures become milder, and frosts become less frequent. It is the ideal time to dedicate oneself to the preparation of the soil and the start of the crops that will accompany us throughout the season. It is a crucial month for setting the foundations of a garden that will yield abundant fruits in the months to come.
The preparation of the soil
The preparation of the soil is one of the most important activities to undertake in April. After the winter rest, the soil needs to be worked to become the nutritious base for our plants. It is essential to break up clumps, eliminate any weeds, and improve the soil structure by adding compost or well-matured manure. These operations will allow the roots of the plants to develop in a healthy and vigorous manner.
Artichokes: a perennial crop
Artichokes are a perennial crop that can represent a long-term investment in our garden. They require well drained soil and should be planted about 90 cm apart to allow for good growth. Harvesting artichokes usually occurs between 5 and 12 months after planting, depending on the varieties and climatic conditions.
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Potatoes: planting and harvesting
Potatoes can be planted starting from March, but April is still a good time to start this crop. It is important to plant them at a depth of about 10 cm and maintain a distance of 30 cm between plants. Harvesting usually occurs between 70 and 120 days after planting, depending on climatic conditions and the chosen variety.
Summer onions: sowing and harvesting
Summer onions are sown directly into the ground at a depth of 2-3 cm, keeping a distance of about 20 cm between plants. Harvesting onions usually occurs 4-5 months after sowing, when the leaves begin to yellow and dry. It is important to keep the soil well irrigated during growth to ensure good quality bulbs.
Seedbed: a controlled environment
The seedbed is an essential tool for starting the growth of plants in a controlled environment, particularly useful for those that require higher temperatures to germinate. In this way, we can anticipate the growth of eggplants, tomatoes, and zucchinis, providing them with the ideal conditions for optimal development.
Eggplants: from seedbed to transplanting
Eggplants require about 10-14 days to germinate, and transplanting can occur when nighttime temperatures exceed 15°C. The fruits generally mature in 70-80 days, offering abundant yields if grown in optimal temperature and humidity conditions.
Tomatoes: cultivation and transplanting
Tomatoes, like eggplants, start their growth in the seedbed. Germination occurs in 7-14 days, and transplanting can take place when the seedlings reach a height of 10-15 cm. It is important to maintain adequate spacing between plants to ensure good air circulation and prevent diseases.
Zucchinis: germination and transplanting
Zucchinis germinate in 7-10 days in the seedbed and can be transplanted once the plants have reached an adequate size. It is advisable to maintain a distance of 80 cm between plants to encourage healthy and vigorous growth. Zucchinis are generous plants and can produce abundant fruits in a short time.
Transplants in April: cabbages, leeks, and asparagus
April is also the ideal month for transplanting some crops that require more time to develop, such as cabbages, leeks, and asparagus. Cabbages prefer well-drained soil and need regular watering to maintain good leaf development. Leeks, on the other hand, require trenches about 15 cm deep and constant irrigation to ensure uniform growth. Asparagus is a perennial crop that requires trenches of 20-30 cm and good soil management to produce abundant harvests in the following years.
