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Community Corner

April Gardening Tips From Holmdel Experts

Advice from the owners of Dearborn and Bayshore Greenhouses.

After a long, tough winter, some Holmdel residents are anxious to trade snow shovels for garden spades. But with the the lingering cold temperature, when is the right time to begin planting? It all depends, say local experts. 

Hold off on planting flowers for a bit longer, until there is no fear of a frost layer in the soil, advises Home and Garden Manager Arleen Swartz. April is still a great month to survey the situation.  “Get In the garden. Check on your perennials and make sure everything is healthy,” she said. 

Once you are ready to plant, Swartz recommends adding compost to your soil and mulch around your plants and trees.  The mulch helps the soil tilth while aiding in moisture retention, she said, adding it will also help keep weeds to a minimum.  

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Knowing the plant’s light and moisture needs will help gardeners avoid extra work and put less stress on the plant. It is important to know the quality of soil where your plant will be placed, Swartz said. An acidic test of the soil could be helpful. Dearborn Market is offering a “Right Plant in the Right Place” seminar for gardeners on April 30th from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at their store at Route 35 and Centerville Road.

If it is a vegetable garden you are interested in, there is still time to get started.  According to Frank Mocci at on North Beers St., it is probably best not to start a vegetable garden until mid-April, when you can plant lettuces, broccoli, cabbages and cauliflower.  Tomatoes, eggplant and peppers can be added around Mother’s Day.

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You can make sure that your soil is ready for planting by adding lime and cow manure, Mocci said. A well balanced fertilizer, 5-10-5, is recommended. There are organic fertilizers available as well.

As the plants are growing, gardeners need to keep a watch for insect disease.  If needed, there are organic and conventional materials to treat the problem, he said.  

Mocci’s tip to new vegetable gardeners is “Start small. Be prepared. It is a lot of work.”

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