What to do this coming month

Transitioning into heat and active growth.

April in South Louisiana is where the garden truly shifts gears. This is when warm-season planting, lawn growth, and rapid landscape development all begin at once. The work you do now sets the tone for your garden heading into summer.

Flower Beds & Landscape

• Plant warm-season annuals such as vinca, pentas, zinnias, angelonia, marigolds, and begonias
• Continue planting perennials and hardy tropicals
• Begin planting caladium bulbs in mid- to late April as soil warms
• Remove declining cool-season bedding plants as they fade
• Mulch beds to conserve moisture and reduce weed pressure

Vegetables – What to Plant in April

(Use the full Louisiana Vegetable Planting Guide on the LSU AgCenter website for specifics like spacing, depth, and varieties.)

• Plant warm-season crops including tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, squash, okra, and beans.
• Direct seed crops like corn, southern peas, and melons
• Stake or cage tomatoes early to support growth and improve airflow
• Keep gardens weed-free to reduce competition and pest habitat
• Maintain consistent moisture for young plants

If you’ve been thinking about a garden, this is your moment. Waiting too long pushes production into the most difficult part of the season.

Trees, Shrubs & Vines

Growth is accelerating, and maintenance matters.

• Plant shrubs, trees, and vines before summer stress arrives
• Train and tie climbing vines as they begin active growth
• Lightly prune spring-flowering shrubs after they finish blooming
• Monitor new growth for aphids (especially on crape myrtles and new growth) and other early-season pests
  

This is also a great time to add structure such as privacy screens, flowering shrubs, or evergreen anchors.

Bulbs & Perennials

Spring bulbs are finishing their show, but don’t ignore them yet.

• Allow foliage on spring bulbs to die back naturally before removing
• Deadhead spent blooms to redirect energy back to the bulb and encourage continued flowering
• Divide overcrowded perennials if needed
• Plant summer bulbs such as caladiums and other heat-loving varieties

Lawn Care

Lawns are coming out of dormancy and need attention.

• Apply first fertilizer application after lawn is fully green and actively growing
• Begin regular mowing, keeping blades sharp and mowing at proper height
• Control early weeds before they become established
• Repair bare spots with sod or plugs

Watering & Irrigation

• Water deeply and less frequently to encourage strong root systems
• Adjust watering based on rainfall rather than a fixed schedule
• Ensure proper drainage in beds and containers
• Pay close attention to newly planted material

Pests & Diseases

As temperatures rise, so does pest pressure.

• Watch for aphids, caterpillars, and other early-season insects
• Monitor for fungal issues as humidity increases
• Powdery mildew can begin showing up in warm, humid conditions
• Treat issues early before populations build. 
• Stay proactive—small problems are easier to manage now than in May
• Encourage plant health to reduce susceptibility

General Garden Tasks

• Fertilize bedding plants and containers regularly
• Refresh mulch where needed
• Stay on top of fast growth and seasonal transitions
• Continue planting to build out summer color and structure
  

Final Thoughts

April is a high-momentum month in the South Louisiana garden. Staying consistent with planting, watering, and maintenance now will make the difference as heat and humidity increase. Focus on building a strong, healthy foundation that can carry your landscape through the long summer season. Lean into the season. Plant for heat. Build strong roots.

And most importantly, get outside and enjoy it.