April

Gardening in April

1) Start mowing your lawn – high cut to start the season. Check for moss and weeds. Use a moss killer such as lawn seed, or a liquid type can be put on with a watering can. ‘Growmore’ fertiliser can be used to give your lawn a boost after the winter to encourage good new growth.

2) Plant evergreen shrubs and conifers – also trees can be planted, ornamental varieties – e.g. crab apple, cherries, acers etc.

3) Plant summer bulbs – Gladioli – plant out now in a sunny position with well-drained soil. Also plant Lilies, Begonias Dahlias etc.

4) Herbaceous Perennials – are now shooting up new growth. Thin out overcrowded clumps – delphiniums, lupins and phlox. Sow ‘Sweet Peas’ outdoors – prepare ground ready. Soak the seed overnight – put up bamboo canes ready to support new growth. Sow annual climbers such as nasturtiums and morning glory.

5) Vegetables –sow: leeks, lettuce, radish, peas, broad beans, salad onions and turnips. Herbs: mint, fennel. Tomatoes (inside). Plant out maincrop potatoes (varieties include: Cara, Desiree, Maris Piper, International Kidney, Pink Fir Apple).

6) Trees – check now for any winter damage and remove loose branches. Check also any tree stakes and ties are in good condition, replace if broken or worn. Just time to plant any hedging in bundles for a new head or repairing any gaps that have appeared over winter.