The Garden in April

Its never the wrong time to be working on your garden. You can be working outside in the summer sun or starting seedling indoors during the winter. Or if you are getting really fancy maybe you have an indoor/aquaponic/ areoponic vertical garden? Anyway below I'll be talking about what gardening in April might look like in zone 10 here in Oxnard (El Rio), California. Catch some extra pro tips too!!

Seeds to sow!
beans,  cucumber, luffa, okra,  carrot, chives, fennel, garlic, kohlrabi, lettuce, mustard greens, onion, oregono, pak choy, parsley, peas, antelope, squash,radish, rocket arugula, shallots, swiss chard, snow/sugar peas, spinach, turnip, sweet potatoes, tomato, bell peppers(capsicum), chilli peppers

Photo: We just started using this organic seed company Plant Good Seeds. We have tried many seed companies but they are local to my area and how cute are these seed packets.

This year is our second year that we are gardening in our urban home. We are experimenting with growing new plants and learning from past mistakes for  round 2 of some plants.
​There are a few things they we're making a habit of. First off starting seeds at the right time and with the correct companion plants is number 1. Second is working to get a better germination rate by first soaking appropriate seeds and maintaining proper moisture and temperature of around 80 degree F during this crucial stage. We also have been using greenhouses to keep warmer temperatures and provide protection from the elements as the seeds sprout.
Lastly we are making the effort to be more mindful of what businesses we are supporting so we are looking for local seed suppliers. It helps because they typically sell what grows well in the area and they can give you better insights to growing. But if you would rather not deal with the delicacy of starting your plants from seeds buy from your local nursery and save some time.

Transfer seedlings outside
capsicum, chili peppers, cucumber, okra, strawberry, onion, lettuce, leeks, kale, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, cabbage, tomato

In my last blog, March: in the Garden, I touch on the technique called hardening off your plants. In summary you have to slowly expose your baby plants to the outside element so they have a better chance at surviving.
Now I want to explain how having a greenhouse, a mini greenhouse to be exact, has helped us achieve a better seedling success rate. We purchased a plastic cover for our seedling tray to act as the greenhouse. It protects the plants from harsh winds and cold temperatures, increases humidity and overall is easier to control the environment.
My house has horrible sun lighting and I don't have a all day sunny window perch so having the similar effect out in the green house had changed up the game. You can get fancy like the photo above or just make it your self. Check out my pinterest for more ideas.

What we're currently harvesting
mint, cilantro, oregano, tomatoes, lettuce, chives, kale, swiss chard, peas, eggplant, mullberries, lemons, guavas, oranges

Annnnd yes!! My favorite part about gardening, the harvest. Our garden is taking off and there is already so much to munch on.
Some crucial components of harvesting are washing and storage. I began washing produce in a simple solution-- water, white vinegar, and lemon. You can make it as a spray or soak for some time. A friend of my washes her produce in high alkaline(9-11pH) water, which is extremely effective. I will admit sometimes I don't wash as well as I could but having the peace of mind that our garden is organically grown with no GMOs or pesticides is reassuring.
I actually prefer not to make huge harvest but little harvests daily. I take what I need for the day so I don't have to worry about wilting, rotting produce in the fridge. Plus you get more benefits from vine or tree ripened produce. A few things that have helped me preserve food when I need to store in the fridge is using the produce drawers correctly, knowing what produce to leave out in a fruit basket, and using beeswax paper for leafy greens and cut produce.

Until next time! Keep on gardening and remember stay hydrated and get some sun, you are practically a plant.

Love always,

Xochitl