UC Master Gardener Terry Lewis shared guidance on late March and early April gardening tasks in a statement released on March 26. The advice comes as the spring planting season nears its end, with an emphasis on establishing roots before summer heat arrives.
The recommendations highlight key maintenance steps for gardeners during this period. Lewis advised monitoring for powdery mildew and rotating fungicides to prevent resistance. Citrus growers are encouraged to address scale, mites, or thrips using horticultural oil or insecticide. Other suggested tasks include controlling snails and slugs, deadheading roses to encourage blooming, pruning avocado and citrus only when necessary, and fertilizing both container plants and acid-loving species with appropriate products.
For those planning new plantings, Lewis noted that newer varieties of petunia or Calibrachoa called ‘Superbells’ are now widely available at nurseries. Vegetable gardens should be located in sunny spots. Recommended annuals include petunia (Calibrachoa), marigold (Tagetes), black-eyed Susan (Thunbergia alata), while bulbs such as gladiolus can also be planted at this time. Suitable fruits and vegetables for planting from seed include eggplant, melons, peppers, radish, spinach, and squash.
Gardeners are also encouraged to enjoy blooming annuals like candytuft (Iberis) and sweet pea (Lathyrus), as well as fruit harvests including asparagus and strawberry. Additional reminders include mulching to conserve water and prevent weeds, along with deep watering trees without allowing water to pool against trunks.
These recommendations reflect the broader mission of University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) which supports sustainable practices through public contributions according to the official website. UC ANR is part of the University of California system managing Cooperative Extension services according to the official website, utilizing nine research centers representing diverse ecosystems according to the official website.
UC ANR operates in all 58 counties through educational programs that extend university research into communities according to the official website. The organization delivers science-based information via workshops while mobilizing over 18,420 volunteers each year across more than 33,810 events according to the official website. UC ANR has gained recognition for trusted services linking research with community needs according to the official website.
