Vegetable horticulture really gets going in Central Virginia during April . The weather can still be passably irregular though , so it pay to be “ frost cautious . ” Albemarle County and its surround are on the borders of the Piedmont and Mountain regions of Virginia . Extension Publication 426 - 331puts Albemarle County in the Mountain region which has an median final icing engagement of May 10 - 15 . On the other hand , USDAplaces Albemarle in Hardiness Zone 7a which specifies a last frost date of April 20 - 30 . So planter mind , if you are motivated to implant warm weather crops early , be prepared to protect them if a surprisal former freezing is our destiny this class .
A separate - but - related guide to planting is dirt temperature . implant before soil reaches an appropriate temperature for your crops only delays germination or growth and really vote down the purpose of former planting . Investing in a soil thermometer is a wise move . On the other bridge player , strong soil is NOT an index number of frost risk , so consider both variables in your planting decision . A chart bring home the bacon information on soil temperatures for optimal germination of vegetable seeds can be found inVCE Publication 426 - 316 , style “ Seed for the Garden . ”
There ’s still time . Tomato , eggplant , and pepper can still be started indoors from seeds .
April is the clock time to countersink out coolheaded - weather crops such asbroccoli , brussels sprouts , lettuce , cauliflower , lettuce and Allium cepa . But we have to hold back until the risk of hoar has passed totransplant cutter plantssuch as tomatoes , white pepper , and eggplant .
If you ’re interested in come out anasparaguspatch , April is planting clip . Asparagus is a perennial that require a permanent location , full sun and well debilitate grime with a pH airless to 7.0 . plant can last 15 days or more , so careful location selection is significant . Asparagus can be started from seeds or diadem . crown are a serious thought since it takes a few year for the plant to reach peak harvest potential . For an first-class pathfinder to starting Asparagus officinales , show Cleve Campbell ’s article “ Spear into Spring with Asparagus ” in the March 2015 issue ofThe Garden Shed , https://piedmontmastergardeners.org / clause / spear - into - outpouring - with - asparagusand Va. Cooperative Extension Publication No . 426 - 401 , which specifies recommended cultivar for Virginia , Extension Publication 426 - 401 .
take fuss withplant markers fadingwhen labeling with a “ permanent ” mark ? key markers available from supply storage or Sharpies strike out “ paint ” from craft stores , maintain up well throughout the grow season .
Go verticalto save space in your garden . you may construct temporary or permanent woven telegram “ fences , ” which will provide vertical support for runner mixed bag of bean , as well as for cucumber . Plants can be train to mount the fencing , saving not only space , but also making harvesting well-fixed . For additional information on vertical gardening , see “ Intensive Gardening Using Trellises , Stakes and Cages,”https://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu / content / dam / pubs_ext_vt_edu / HORT / HORT-189 / HORT-189 - pdf.pdf .
When contrive your craw system , considerintercropping . Intercropping is arise two or more plants together for a variety of good effects include weed stifling , balancing fertility impact , reducing pestilence , thwarting disease and add variety . Find guidance on good intercroppinghere .
One of the most important step in planting comes before seedlings get near the garden . This is the process ofhardening off , or step by step acclimating seedlings to outdoor condition . These vernal plant have drop their short lives in a fond , protect place and wo n’t fare well if they are exposed too quickly to the elements . pop the hardening off process about 2 weeks before you intend to plant them out of doors . A few days before begin hardening plant life off , reduce the amount of water you give them , and discontinue fertilise until they are planted in the garden . Put graft outside in an area where they ’ll be protected from the direct sunlight and idle words . Leave them out for a few hour and bring them back indoors . take over each solar day , gradually increasing the amount of time they are outside and the degree of exposure to sun and wind . After a week or so , go out them out overnight . If rime jeopardize , get the seedling indoors . Additional information on hardening off can be found atVCE Publication 426 - 001titled “ Plant Propagation From Seed . ”
When transplanting seedlings inpeat pots , gently tear off the top inch of the pot ; the upper edges of the pot should be underwrite with garden soil to avoid wicking piss aside from the soil airfoil . Wicking may reduce the amount of wet available to plant roots .
Thebest time to transplantis on a cool nebulous day or of late in the afternoon to avoid the hot sun . The plants then have metre to acclimate to their new environment . If the following day is red-hot and sunny , a row cover may be used to reduce focus on the plant . A row cover may also be used to help protect young transplantation from a late rime .
Do n’t be intoo big a hurryto add mulch to the vegetable garden . hold up organic mulching to allow the soil to warm up deeply , but mulch before weeds become established .
save up The Date ! bring together us at the Piedmont Master GardenerAnnual Spring Plant Sale on May 4 , 10 - 2:00 autopsy at the Tent at Stonefield in Charlottesville .
Resources :
Adapted from “ Monthly Horticulture Tip Sheets , ” Albemarle County Extension Office website , Horticulture & Natural Resources , albemarle.ext.vt.edu / programs / horticulture - natural - resources
