In the garden: April

Even though April sees much longer days and bouts of sunshine, you still need to be on the watch for night frosts. There’s always plenty to do in the garden, so here is a list of top jobs to get done this month:

1. Plant summer flowering bulbs such as lilies, gladiolus and ranunculus into beds, borders and containers.
2. Protect fruit blossom from late frosts with horticultural fleece, hessian or shade netting. Use canes to keep the material off the blossoms and remove the covers once the danger is over.
3. Tie in the new shoots of climbing and rambling roses needed to fill supports.
4. Sow hardy annuals and herb seeds.
5. Start to feed citrus plants, using a summer feed that is high in nitrogen.
6. Increase the water given to houseplants.
7. Feed hungry shrubs, hedges and roses with a slow-release fertiliser. Roses are especially greedy, so need plenty of feeding as they come into growth.
8. Sow new lawns or repair bare patches. Lawn seed should be sown on well prepared soil which should be kept moist whilst the seed is germinating.
9. Cut back dead foliage left on your perennials and ornamental grasses to make way for new growth.
10. Deadhead daffodils and tulips as the flowers finish, leaving the foliage intact, allowing it to die back naturally.
    Flowers, Fruit & Veg to Sow & Grow

Spring a busy time of the year for planting. Here is our list of flower, fruit and veg seeds that can be planted either in a greenhouse or indoors, or directly sown outside during April.
Greenhouse or Indoors
Sunflowers, Nasturtiums, Petunia, Marigolds, Aubergine, Basil, Celery, Celeriac, Courgette, Marrow, Squash, Pumpkin, Cucumbers, Gherkins, Kale, Lettuce, Melons, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, Lemon Balm, Runner Beans, French Beans, Strawberries, Sweetcorn, Sweet Pepper, Tomato
Outdoors
Calendula, Widflower seed mix, Comfrey, Globe Artichokes, Jerusalem Artichokes, Beetroot, Broad Beans, Brussel Sprouts, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Chicory, Chives, Coriander, Dill, Parsley, Carrots, Leeks, Pak Choy, Parsnips, Peas, Radish, Spinach, Spring Onion, Swede, Swiss Chard, Watercress

Filed under: Gardening
Monday, April 7th, 2014 at 9:07 am