April is generally the best month for planting roses. Bare root or container, your choice. A tough-as-nails variety is Knock Out. This variety is beautiful and blooms almost continuously, and was named an All American Rose selection in 2000. Give this fabulous shrub a chance!
It's a good time to replace your batteries in your carbon monoxide detectors. Don't have one? Here's one with a ten-year built-in battery and 3-color LED indicator! (click) There are lots out there, so look around for one you especially like.
April is the time to look at that crowded 3-season porch or small sunroom. To create a space everyone wants to use, it's time to edit, edit, edit! Remove every piece of furniture and any object you don't use daily. (That's right, daily!) Sell them, put them in a a storage building, or donate them, but get them out! Now you have room to breathe. Essential really is the fabulous way to enjoy that small room.
Before you replant last year's herb or flower pots, flood the soil with water. If it doesn't flow through almost immediately, you need to improve drainage. Add compost, farm manure, or even shredded leaves to speed up drainage. Healthy plants? It's a great summer ahead!
Garlic, leeks, onions? If you planted in the fall or they've overwintered (mulch, anyone?), now's the time to boost their nitrogen source. If you want to avoid chemicals, blood meal, bat guano, or fish fertilizer will do the trick. You'll soon have fresh fare to share with everyone you know!