All comments and tips to be attributed to Amber Tunney, Plant Buyer at Cherry Lane Garden Centres.
As spring continues to gather pace, April is a busy month in the garden. Warmer temperatures and longer days mean plants begin growing quickly, making it the perfect time to sow seeds, care for lawns and support wildlife returning to gardens.
Horticultural experts at Cherry Lane Garden Centres have rounded up the key gardening jobs for April, helping gardeners make the most of the season while setting their gardens up for a healthy and colourful summer.
Here are the top jobs for the garden this April:
- Sow wildflowers and hardy annuals in the garden
“April is an ideal time to sow wildflowers and hardy annuals directly into the garden. Choose a sunny spot with well-prepared soil and scatter seeds thinly before lightly covering with soil and watering. These plants will add colour to borders while also providing an important food source for pollinators.”
- Sow new lawns and repair bare patches
“With temperatures rising and soil warming up, April offers great conditions for establishing new lawns or repairing patchy areas. Rake over bare soil, remove debris and scatter grass seed evenly before watering gently. Keeping the area moist will help the new grass establish quickly.”
- Deadhead faded daffodils and tulips
“As spring bulbs begin to fade, remove spent flower heads by snipping them just below the bloom. This prevents the plant from putting energy into seed production and instead helps the bulb store energy for next year’s display. Leave the foliage in place so it can naturally die back.”
- Feed clematis, roses and herbaceous perennials
“Applying a balanced fertiliser such as fish, blood and bone around the base of plants in April helps encourage strong growth and healthy flowering. Gently work it into the soil and water well to help nutrients reach the roots.”
- Start mowing your lawn on a regular basis
“As grass growth accelerates, lawns will benefit from more regular mowing. Keep the blades slightly higher at first to avoid stressing the grass, and mow little and often to encourage thicker, healthier growth.”
- Sow carrots, radishes and other root vegetables directly into the ground
“Many root vegetables can be sown directly into the ground in April. Sow seeds thinly into shallow drills in well-prepared soil and keep the area watered. Fast-growing crops like radishes are particularly rewarding for gardeners looking for quick results.”
- Plant out sweet peas
“Sweet peas started indoors can be planted out in April once the risk of frost has reduced. Position them in a sunny spot with supports such as canes or trellis so they can climb as they grow, and keep them well watered to encourage strong, fragrant blooms.”
- Support garden birds with food and water
“April is nesting season for many birds, so providing fresh water and nutritious food can help support them during this busy time. Sunflower hearts, peanuts and fat balls are all great options, while a bird bath or shallow dish of water gives birds somewhere to drink and bathe.”