THE OPTIMISTIC FARMER-April 2026
- theoptimisticfarme
- Apr 1
- 3 min read
2026 April Edition
Tall and (Small) Tales from the Great Basin of Northeast Nevada
The ball really starts rolling in April, cautiously some plants can be planted, others may start to come up as the warmer days start to overtake the colder days. Don't get too ambitious because a fool and their plants may soon be parted!!
This Pro Tip still stands: Don't be fooled—it has been known to freeze and snow in April, so have your plant covers ready and keep an eye on the forecast!
News from the garden
"If it thunders on All Fool's Day, Expect good crops of corn and hay." – Unknown
The rain, and sometimes snow, storms we get in April start to wake up the land as the days get longer. Fruit trees will start blooming, sometimes too early, fingers crossed! If you are lucky enough to have a Forsythia plant, they are spectacular this time of year, along with the lilac! Try to tolerate the dandelion bloom as the pollinators start to do their thing! Enjoy the smells and views of April — they can be fantastic!
Innovations and Ideas
You may run across pinecones scattered here and there as the snow melts and prep begins for the season, but did you know they have all sorts of uses in the garden! Throw them around your flower bed for mulch, pest protection, and moisture retention — they look cool and come in many shapes and sizes!!
Inner Work
Since April always brings up the topic of fools, here are some helpful tips to avoid being considered one!!
Listen More Than You Speak
Take Accountability for Your Actions
Avoid Gossip and Derogatory Comments
Long story short! Focus on uplifting conversations that encourage and support those around you.
Plants in Science:
Speaking of things blooming, the mild winter this year in the Great Basin has brought out the blooms and man are they spectacular!! Blooms of many colors, yellows, purples, whites, and pinks, oh my!!!
There is actually a scientific name for the process of blooming…did you know vernalization is required for a tree to bloom? Vernalization requires cold dormancy and chill hours, so as you bundle up on a chilly winter or spring day, remember it is all part of the important process of growing fruit and beautiful blooms!
The bloom on a fruit tree is actually the beginning of the fruit, the attractive flowers bring pollinators, and well you know the drill! Early bloomers such as peaches may take a hit if the weather takes a turn, so keep an eye on the forecast and protect the blooms if needed.
Last, but Not Least: Timing is everything
There was a day before the internet, calendars, and cellphones, so how on earth did gardeners and farmers know when to plant certain plants and when to wait? You guessed it, they watched nature!! They watched the trees, the blooms, and the bees all providing a well-timed planting calendar that only nature can provide!
So, if learning the old school ways catches your attention, below are a few things to watch for…
When Daffodils start to bloom, plant peas, spinach, and lettuce!
When Forsythia turns bright yellow, plant potatoes and onion sets!
When Red Maples bloom, time to direct sow carrots, beets, and chard!
When Oak leaves are the size of a squirrel's ear, plant sweet corn!
When Lilacs bloom, transplant your cabbage and broccoli!
When Apple trees blossom, plant bush beans and cucumbers, cover in case of frost!
When Dogwoods bloom and nights are warm, tomatoes can be set!
When Dandelions cover the yard and frost danger passes, plant squash and pumpkins!
When Iris bloom and soil is warm, plant your peppers and eggplant!
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