April weather in central Russia and Europe is notoriously unpredictable, often bringing sudden cold snaps and snow, even when the gardening season is already underway. Agronomist and biologist Mikhail Vorobyov emphasizes the importance of being prepared for such surprises.
Vorobyov notes that most plants in April are not yet in their active growth phase, and early spring flowers are resilient to snow and light frosts. Therefore, there’s no need to fear the precipitation itself. However, gardeners who have already planted seedlings in open ground should consider protecting them in advance.
It is advisable to have covering materials such as thick spunbond, agrotextile, or film readily available. In case of a cold threat, these can be quickly spread over garden beds and secured at the edges with stones or planks. For young seedlings, cut plastic bottles or special protective caps can be used.
The agronomist warns of potential issues with film greenhouses. Unlike polycarbonate and glass greenhouses, for which snow poses no danger, film structures can bend or collapse under its weight, as they are designed for protection against rain and wind, not snow loads.
Plants inside greenhouses can also be additionally covered with non-woven material. During severe frosts, Vorobyov advises placing containers of hot water, which will slowly release heat.
For perennials and shrubs that have already begun to grow, the primary threat is not so much snow as it is sharp temperature fluctuations. During this period, it’s advisable not to rush with pruning and fertilizing. It’s better to wait for consistently warm weather to set in.
If snow falls and melts quickly, it’s crucial to ensure efficient drainage of meltwater away from plant roots. Waterlogging combined with cold temperatures can lead to root rot. Therefore, it’s advisable to check drainage channels in advance and deepen them if necessary.
