April is usually the best month to enjoy the vibrant flowers in San Diego gardens. But recent rains have also brought weeds. So while you enjoy the blooms, be sure to remove weeds before they set seed.
Enjoy Spring Blooms
Although rains were late and limited this year, you can still enjoy wildflowers in San Diego County and Southern California along with the lovely blooms in your own spring garden and local public gardens. Here are a few ways to make the most of the spring bloom.
The Theodore Payne Foundation has a hotline and newsletter they update every Friday from March through May. You can call 818-768-1802 or read their newsletter on their Wild Flower Hotline page.
The Anza Borrego Foundation has a wildflower hotline at 760-767-4684. They also have an interactive wildflower map that you can add to. You can find a link to the map on their wildflower page at Experience Anza Borrego Wildflowers.
The Flower Fields in Carlsbad are open through May 11th. View the nearly 50 acres of Giant Tecolote ranunculus flowers. Check out my Events post for information and a link to The Flower Fields site.
Fight Powdery Mildew
Spring weather can bring ideal conditions for powdery mildew. It attacks roses, grapes, melons, squash and other susceptible plants. One way to fight it is to hose off these plants every morning with a jet of water. Fungicides can also slow mildew’s spread.
If you’re still having trouble staying ahead of powdery mildew, look for plants and seeds that are bred for resistance. For more information on controlling powdery mildew, take a look at the University of California’s Integrated Pest Management’s article on Powdery Mildew on Ornamentals.
Plant Subtropical Fruit Trees, Vines and Plants
April and May are good months to add subtropical and heat loving plants to your San Diego garden. Plants and vines to add to your garden now include bird of paradise, cestrum, ginger, hibiscus, philodendron, tree ferns, bower vine, bougainvillea, mandevilla, black-eyed Susan and pink trumpet vine.
It’s also a good time to add subtropical fruit trees like citrus, banana, guava, mango and avocado along with Hong Kong orchid tree, palm, trumpet tree, jacaranda, silk floss tree and other subtropical, ornamental trees.
Some of these subtropical plants are high water users and some not frost tolerant, so take care when planting and group them with other thirsty plants.
San Diego Gardens Tips Source
A lot of information for San Diego Gardens comes from the Master Gardener Association of San Diego County. They are a great resource for all of your gardening needs including planting, pests, vegetables, and water use. They even have a free hotline where you can get your home gardening and pest control problems answered.