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April Newsletter

Welcome to the 74th Season of Backyard Farmer!

It has been a weird winter with wild temperature swings and very little moisture, so we may see some very unusual things this growing season. No matter what this spring and summer brings, we will be your trusted source for gardening advice. We are excited to kick off another season of Backyard Farmer tomorrow, April 2! As the days get longer and temperatures rise, it’s the perfect time to get your hands back in the soil and set your landscape up for a successful growing season. Submit your questions, and grow with us all year long.

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Spring Lawn Preparation Tips

A lush, green lawn starts with early spring care. Here’s how to get yours off to a strong start:

• Rake and clean up winter debris to allow new growth

• Aerate compacted soil to improve water and nutrient absorption

• Apply a pre-emergent herbicide when soil temperature is 50 degrees for 5 consecutive days to prevent crabgrass

  • Video: Pre-Emergent Timing
    

• Sharpen mower blades before the first cut and set your mowing height at 3 to 3 1/2"

A little preparation now means a healthier lawn all season long.

Dealing with Drought

Winter weather in Nebraska can be tough on your lawn and landscape—but are you watering at the right time? 💧Nebraska Extension Educator, Elizabeth Exstrom shares important tips to help you navigate temperature swings and avoid common mistakes that can lead to brown turf and stressed plants.

🌷 Spring Gardening in Full Swing

April is all about preparation and planting. Whether you're tending a vegetable garden, flower beds, or both, now is the time to:

• Start cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach, peas, and radishes

• Prep garden beds by removing debris and adding compost

• Divide and transplant perennials

• Keep an eye on overnight temperatures and protect sensitive plants

Don’t forget—healthy soil is the foundation of a thriving garden!

🌲 Todd Faller’s Top 6 Evergreen Trees

Looking to add year-round color and structure to your landscape? Todd Faller recommends six reliable evergreen trees for Midwest conditions. 

#1 Concolor Fir

#2 Domingo Pine

#3 Douglas Fir (Rocky Mountain Seed Source)

#4 Swiss Stone Pine

#5 Japanese White Pine

#6 Silveray Korean Pine

These selections are well-suited for our region’s fluctuating temperatures, winter winds, and varying soil conditions. Whether you’re creating a windbreak, adding privacy, or enhancing curb appeal, these evergreens offer durability, visual interest, and long-term performance. Be sure to match each tree to your space and sunlight conditions for the best results!

Check out the monthly Garden Checklist

As spring progresses, stagger gladiolus plantings for extended blooms, and allow foliage from spring bulbs to die back naturally to ensure strong returns next year. Keep your garden on track by monitoring rainfall—about one inch per week is ideal—and prep your lawn by clearing debris and tuning up equipment. In flower beds, consider drought-tolerant and pollinator-friendly options, try direct seeding poppies, and divide perennials like chrysanthemums. When planting trees and shrubs, use native soil and prune spring bloomers after flowering. Don’t forget to invite beneficial wildlife into your garden with a well-placed birdhouse! Celebrate Arbor Day at the end of April by planting a tree or supporting tree-planting efforts in your community.

👉 Read the full April checklist

Great Gift Idea: Create a Succulent Container

If you are looking for gift idea, think about creating a beautiful succulent container garden. 🌿 Cathy Schroeder from Bluebird Nursery in Clarkson, NE shares a simple method for building eye-catching succulent containers using a design approach that works every time. With endless combinations of colors, textures, and shapes, this might be one of the easiest (and most fun) ways to upgrade your space—indoors or out. 

Plant Spotlight: Sand Cherry, Jade Parade

Looking for a tough, beautiful plant that stands out in every season? 🌿 Elizabeth Exstrom visited Steinbrink Landscaping & Greenhouse to highlight a unique shrub that more Nebraska gardeners should be using—but most overlook. With eye-catching blooms, surprising versatility, and strong drought tolerance, this plant might be exactly what your landscape is missing.

Wildfire Season: Fire Safety Tips & Prevention

Ben Bohall from the Nebraska Forest Service shares practical tips on fire prevention for your home, yard, and community. From creating defensible space to choosing fire-resistant plants, learn how you can reduce wildfire risk and stay prepared during fire season. Whether you live in town or an acreage, these simple steps can make a big difference. Wildfire season in Nebraska is no longer just in the summer—it’s becoming a year-round concern.

• Firewise Program: https://www.nfpa.org/firewise

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