Psssst. Gather New Haven supports over 40 community gardens throughout the city, providing land, soil and technical support to help individuals and families grow their own food. The organization also host a wide array of social gatherings in the gardens that are free and open to the public.

Personally, the community garden plot I inherited a few years ago from friends that were moving has changed my life and instilled a greater appreciation for nature and sustainability. Take a look at locations and consider applying for a spot, it’s not too late for some and community gardens are a wonderful, low-stress place to experiment and learn the meditative practice of gardening.

Annuals & Perennials

• Cut ornamental grasses back to a height of 6 inches before new growth appears.
• Cut buddleia, Russian sage, and Montauk daisies to a height of 8-12 inches.
• Prune lavender to 1/3 of its height once new growth appears.
• Prune old, leggy growth from heather (which flowers on new growth in late summer) but prune heath (which sets its flower buds in late spring) just enough to shape it in the early spring.
• Pull back mulch from perennials to allow the soil to warm up but be prepared to temporarily cover them if heavy frosts are predicted.
• Start dahlia tubers in pots indoors in a cool, bright spot. Cover tuberous roots with 2 to 3 inches of potting mix. Pinch back tips when they reach 6 inches and transplant outdoors when the ground temperature reaches 60° F.
• Get the jump on weeds in garden beds by pulling out any that overwinter and applying mulch.
• For an instant spring show, fill containers with purchased forced spring bulbs from supermarkets and garden centers.
• Freezing temperatures don’t harm pansies, but if they have been grown in a greenhouse they should be gradually exposed to outdoor temperatures before planting.
• Keep Easter lilies in a moist and brightly lit location. They can be planted in the garden after the danger of frost.
• Divide overcrowded summer or fall blooming perennials.
• Hardy water lilies may be planted in pools in spring but wait until the water reaches 70° for tropical water lilies.
• Place peony supports.

Houseplants

• Transplant houseplants that need repotting.
• Inspect houseplants for pests and use low-toxicity insecticidal controls as needed.
• Cut back plants that have grown leggy.

Vegetables

• Weather permitting, direct sow​ ​peas, ​carrots, ​radishes, ​lettuces, ​and​ ​spinach every two weeks through mid-May for staggered harvests.
• Plant​ ​seedlings​ ​of​ ​cauliflower, ​cabbage, ​and broccoli once weather settles.
• Purchase onion sets for planting and set 1 inch deep and 4 to 5 inches apart when soil can be worked.
• Extend the season by speeding up the warming of soil on garden beds by covering the beds with black plastic for a few weeks.
• Place seedlings in cold frames around April 25 or later to harden off.
• If you haven’t already at the start of the month, you can start seeds of tomatoes, peppers, summer squash and other gourds as well as some cut flowers. Here is a great resource from UConn Home and Garden Education Center on starting seeds.

Trees & Shrubs

• A new generation of spongy moth and eastern tent caterpillars will hatch in late April and begin feeding on the leaves of many tree species. Remove and destroy any egg masses you find on your trees.
• Spongy moth egg masses are buff-colored and may be found on trees, stones, fences, lawn furniture, and other protected places.
• The eggs of the eastern tent caterpillar are deposited in brownish masses, resembling a large raisin squeezed around a twig. Scrape off the egg masses and crush underfoot or drop into a pail of detergent and water.
• Complete​ ​removal​ ​of​ ​diseased, ​weak, ​or​ ​crossing​ ​branches​ ​on​ ​shrubs​ ​and​ ​small​ ​trees.
• Celebrate​ ​Arbor​ ​Day​​ ​by​ ​planting​ ​a​ ​tree. Choose planting sites based on exposure to sun, shade, wind and distance from water source.
• Remove any remaining leaves from last summer on roses and spread a thin layer of new mulch underneath them. This will help prevent the spread of any diseases that may have over-wintered.
• Spread​ ​fertilizer​ ​under​ ​apple trees as buds swell and open.

Wildlife

• Check for raised mole tunnels in the yard and plan to put down a grub control product as necessary (the presence of moles does not mean there is a grub problem) between mid-June and mid-July.
• Set up a bat house early in the month to encourage them to roost. Visit the DEEP’s Bats fact sheet for information and bat house plans.

Yard Accessories & Misc.

• Set up 1 or 2 rain barrels at downspouts to water garden beds, flower beds, and containers.
• When filling large containers for the deck or patio, save on soil by creating a false bottom. Most smaller container plants don’t need more than about a foot of soil depth for their roots. Keep the plant in a smaller pot that is supported by an inverted pot or rocks.
• Don’t skimp on potting soil, however, for larger plants as their roots will fill the pot.