Spring is coming into life as the tulips start to emerge and flowering trees begin to bloom. It’s an exciting time of the year, as we follow the garden waking up from its winter slumber, and we can use the additional daylight to turn our attention to jobs in the garden for April.
Top gardening jobs this month
Sow seeds
Sowing seeds is a relatively easy, inexpensive and engaging way to grow new plants. Sow hardy annuals, herbs and wildflower seed outdoors.
Sow under glass tender annuals and vegetables, so they’re ready to plant out in late May or June when the risks of frost have passed.
Prune roses
Rose pruning ensures that plants grow vigorously and flower well each year. If you’re new to rose pruning it may seem a little daunting at first, but it’s not difficult if you follow these simple steps:
- Start by removing any remaining leaves.
- With sharp, sterile secateurs, remove any dead, diseased or damaged stems.
- Open the centre of the plant to create a vase shape, pruning any crossing or ‘rubbing’ stems which can cause disease.
- Remove any thin, weak growth (anything less than pencil thick).
- Prune the remaining stems, just above an outward-facing bud if possible, reducing the overall height by a third.
- Tie in climbing and rambling roses.
Protect fruit from frosts
Protect fruit blossom from late frosts. Most top fruit and soft fruit are very hardy, but as they start into growth in spring, flowers and buds can be vulnerable to frost and may need protection to crop well.
Divide and replant hardy perennials
Hardy perennials, such as echinacea, hostas, asters and daylilies, can be reinvigorated every three years or so by diving and replanting them. It’s a fantastic way to create free plants for yourself or friends – what’s not to like?
Whilst still dormant, dig up the whole clump using a fork and shake off any surplus soil. You can split the clump with your hands or a sharp spade before potting up or planting in a desired location. Water them in well and feed where necessary.
More jobs for this month
- Keep weeds under control
- Begin to feed houseplants in April through to August
- Feed hungry shrubs and roses
- Sow new lawns or repair bare patches
- Prune fig trees
- Plant second-early and maincrop potatoes
- Divide clumps of hardy herbs, such as lemon balm and chives, then replant in pots, borders or a dedicated herb bed
- Sow small batches of rocket and other easy salad leaves
- Prick out seedlings growing under glass or in a heated propagator as soon as they produce their first true leaves
- Prune tatty fern fronds to make way for new ones that are starting to unfurl
- Continue deadheading spring bulbs and bedding, so they don’t waste energy setting seed
- Keep cloches or large sheets of fleece handy to protect young plants if late frost is forecast