Smart gardening is all about working with nature, especially here in Minnesota, where our seasons shape the way we care for our landscapes. It means approaching your garden with thoughtful, efficient, and eco-conscious practices that make the most of your time and effort. From timing your tasks right, like mulching before perennials pop up, to using organic fertilizers and taking advantage of natural rainfall, smart gardening helps you get better results with less stress. It’s about planning for low-maintenance beauty, using resources wisely, and staying one step ahead of weeds, pests, and problems.
At Xylem Designs, we specialize in all aspects of garden care, from planting and mulching to design and ongoing maintenance. Whether you’re looking to revitalize your lawn, enhance your garden beds, or simply keep your landscape thriving, our team is here to support your vision.
Things to Do in the Garden This April
April is the perfect time to jumpstart your garden! With warmer days and spring rains on the way, a little effort now sets you up for a thriving season ahead. Here are a few things to tackle this month.
Contact us today for a free consultation. Let’s transform your garden into a space that flourishes season after season.
Mulch Early for Maximum Impact
Get ahead of your garden’s growth by mulching early, before your perennials start pushing through the soil or get too big. Laying mulch now makes the job quicker, easier, and cleaner. Plus, early mulching helps lock in moisture, keeps weeds at bay, and sets your beds up for a low-maintenance season.
Feed Your Soil with Organic Fertilizer
Take advantage of spring rains by applying an organic fertilizer that soaks deep into the soil. Whether you choose compost, fish emulsion, or a balanced organic blend, feeding your soil now gives your plants a strong start with natural nutrients that promote vigorous growth.
Freshen Up Beds with V-Trenching
Give your garden beds a sharp, finished look by V-trenching the edges. This simple technique not only creates a clean visual border but also forms a tidy pocket to hold mulch in place. It adds structure, prevents runoff, and gives your garden that intentional, well-kept appearance.
Stay Ahead of the Problems: Apple Scab and Weeds
Spring Tree Care: Treating Apple and Crabapple Trees for Apple Scab
April is the perfect time to treat apple and crabapple trees for apple scab, especially following a wet spring. This common fungal disease, caused by Venturia inaequalis, overwinters on fallen leaves and spreads with early spring rains. In urban areas, poor air circulation and lingering moisture around buildings create ideal conditions for it to thrive.
Applying a preventative treatment at bud break is the most effective way to stop the infection early. Even ornamental crabapples, though not grown for fruit, can experience defoliation and unsightly foliage if left untreated. Regularly removing fallen leaves and light pruning to improve airflow can further reduce the risk.
Prevent Weeds & Feed Your Lawn the Organic Way
April is also a great time to give your lawn a healthy head start with organic care that does double duty. Apply a corn gluten-based pre-emergent to naturally prevent crabgrass before it germinates. This also acts as a gentle nitrogen-rich fertilizer. Follow up with a slow-release organic lawn fertilizer to promote deep root growth and lush green blades as temperatures rise. A strong, well-fed lawn is better equipped to outcompete weeds and handle summer heat.
Contact us today for a free consultation—let’s transform your garden into a space that flourishes season after season.