Laura Young
ECB Publishing, Inc.
I find myself wondering if the well-known proverb “April showers bring May flowers” will hold true this year. We're continuing to have prolonged drought conditions extending from last year well into this one.
Looking at data from the Florida Climate Center, April precipitation has historically been pretty erratic for our area. The lowest figure is .30 inches in 1888 and the highest is 13.13 inches in 1973. These are not anomalies, because many years recorded less than an inch of rainfall and many years had more than 10 inches. What a huge range! In recent years, we had 3.36 inches in April 2023, 7.41 inches in April 2024 and 2.48 inches in April 2025.
Predictions for the next few weeks don't look too hopeful. So, it seems a good time to revisit tips for watering the garden wisely, as rising temperatures begin to cause more heat stress and evaporation in the landscape.
We know that water is essential for life, but managing the water for garden plants is not as simple as it might seem. Some plants prefer wetter or drier soil, and water in the wrong place at the wrong time can be detrimental. Here's a recap of some concise advice from various sources:
• Water where the roots are. This requires knowledge of a plant's root structure – depth and width.
• But wait! Check the soil before watering. If it's dry several inches down, it's time to water.
• Water in the morning. Some diseases take hold on wet foliage, so it's good to allow leaves time to dry out during the day rather than stay wet overnight. The leaves don't really need to get wet in the first place, but some will inevitably get sprayed, and allowing them to dry is important.
• Water slowly at first and gradually build up to a thorough soak. In general, water deeply and less often.
• Make every drop count. The previous advice feeds into this – a morning soak into the root zone gets the water right where it needs to be and minimizes evaporation. Watering wands or drip/soaker hoses accomplish this better than sprinklers that disperse drops into the drying wind.
• Don't overwater. Like us, plants need oxygen as much as they need water. Let the surface dry out a bit between waterings, especially with container plants.
• On the other hand, don't let plants get too dry either. If the soil gets too dry, the hairlike projections that do most of the water-absorbing work for the plant can get damaged. Plants that must regrow these root hairs will have less energy for doing what we most want them to do, which is make flowers, fruits and veggies.
- Mulch! Organic mulches (like shredded leaves, straw, bark or pine needles) reduce evaporation and minimize runoff. See what might be nearby to rake up before paying for bags or bales of mulch.
Plants need the water itself to survive, but it's also through water that they take in the nutrients they need to thrive. As your springtime seeds and transplants begin to grow, paying close attention to water is crucial.
What to plant in April: You can still seed all types of cantaloupes, corn, cucumbers, summer squashes, winter squashed/pumpkins, southern peas, peanuts, lettuces, arugula, okra and watermelons, even if you got started on those last month. Succession planting will extend the harvest season.
This month and next are the peak times for planting beans, and if you have some corn up you might consider tucking in some bean seeds a few inches out from them for some companion plant benefits. Runner beans can use the cornstalks for support while adding nitrogen to the soil for the nutrient-hungry corn. If you space a few squash plants strategically in the same zone, they'll contribute helpful shade to the symbiosis and complete a traditional “three sisters” arrangement.
April also kicks off a three-month range for planting sweet potato slips. In addition, you can keep transplanting eggplant and peppers this month into next. Go for it!
What's coming along: I've planted twice as many potatoes this year, in two successions, and they are looking great. They are growing so vigorously that I've had a hard time doing the hilling fast enough! Hilling is the process of piling more soil or compost around the base of the plants as they grow. Once potatoes reach about 6-8 inches high, hilling will encourage more tubers to grow and keep the ones near the surface from greening. I've been hilling the tomatoes as well, which are also in the nightshade family and will grow new roots into soil piled up the stem. The three types of tomatoes I have in the mix this year are some heirloom moneymakers, Florida's historic Everglades variety and a cascade cherry tomato.
Elsewhere in and around the garden, the citrus is blooming, apple trees are leafing out, turnips are bulking up, snow peas are starting to climb and cucumbers are taking off. Volunteer marigolds and zinnias that reseeded themselves have appeared with a promise of loveliness to come. In the greenhouse, the banana pepper seedlings are nearing transplantable size. It's definitely spring!
What we're eatin' in April: Carrots! Lettuce! Spinach! Mint! The mint, which I have growing in a somewhat shaded pot, wearily hangs on to a few green leaves through the winter and then in spring starts to thrive again. We're now able to harvest sprigs several times a week, which we add to drinks, salads and some savory dishes. Not only does it smell wonderful and taste great, but its health benefits can include relieving indigestion, improving metal alertness, easing stress and providing vitamin A for eye health and better night vision. I really need that eyesight support!
You can use mint right now as a key ingredient in Lebanese tabouleh, Greek tzatziki sauce and fragrant herbed rice. Later, when you're harvesting squash and sweet potatoes, think about using mint along with other herbs you might readily reach for to season them. Of course, they'll brighten any cup of tea and add some zing to your favorite smoothie.
What's temping me? I'd like to learn how to root elderberry cuttings. Supposedly this is super easy to do, and I'd really like to take a few branches from an elderberry patch that's out in a wilder part of the property and see if I can speed up its expansion. I've let our extension office know of this interest, and maybe a class on rooting techniques will come along soon.
That reminds me … Sometimes readers tell me they enjoy this column even though they don't have a garden going. If you're one of those readers, consider signing up for an upcoming extension program that could be just the ticket to get you started. See the article about the Garden to Table series in this issue!
'Til next time, happy gardening (and watering), everyone.
IN THE FEATURED PHOTO: The snow peas are up next to a patch of red potatoes. ECB Publishing, Inc. Photo by Laura Young, April 3, 2026