Top Gardening Tips for April
April Gardening Jobs: For early Spring🌱🌸
April is here, and the garden is starting to come alive with the promise of warmer days ahead. As the days lengthen and temperatures rise, there are plenty of tasks to keep you busy and your garden thriving. Whether you’re adding vibrant colours, nurturing new plants, or preparing for the summer growing season, April is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy the garden.
1. Add Instant Colour with Primulas and Polyanthus
One of the easiest ways to brighten up your garden in April is by planting primulas and polyanthus. These cheerful flowers will instantly add a pop of colour to pots, containers, and the front of borders. These hardy flowers will continue to bloom for several weeks, giving you a long-lasting burst of springtime beauty.
2. Prune Hydrangeas
April is an excellent time to prune your hydrangeas. Cut back the old, woody stems to a healthy shoot lower down. This will encourage fresh growth and a more vigorous flowering display later in the season. Be sure to use clean, sharp pruning shears to make clean cuts and avoid damaging the plant.
3. Plant Sunflowers
Sunflowers are a classic summer favourite, and planting them in April gives them a head start for the warmer months. Choose a sunny, open location for these tall, bright blooms to thrive. Make sure to water them regularly, and protect the young seedlings from slugs and snails, which can easily damage them. As the sunflowers grow, consider adding stakes or supports to help them stand tall as they reach for the sky.
4. Plant Second-Early and Maincrop Potatoes
April is prime time for planting second-early and maincrop potatoes. These potatoes can be planted in well-drained soil in a sunny spot, ensuring they have room to grow. Remember to earth them up as they develop by piling soil around the stems to protect the tubers and encourage higher yields.
5. Plant Flowering Companions in the Vegetable Plot
Add a splash of colour and help boost pollination in your vegetable plot by planting flowering companions such as marigolds. These cheerful flowers will attract beneficial insects like bees and ladybirds, helping to pollinate your crops and keep pests in check. Plus, they’ll look beautiful next to your vegetables!
6. Transplant Greenhouse Tomatoes
If you’ve started your tomato seedlings indoors or in a greenhouse, it’s time to transplant them into growing bags or large containers. Ensure your tomatoes have plenty of space to spread their roots and access nutrients. As the plants grow, secure the stems to supports or stakes to prevent them from becoming top-heavy. The warmth of the greenhouse and the increase in light will encourage strong growth and plenty of fruit later in the season.
7. Open Greenhouse Doors and Vents
As the weather warms up, be sure to open your greenhouse doors and vents on sunny days to allow for better airflow. This helps maintain a stable temperature and prevents humidity from getting too high, which could lead to fungal problems or overheating. Regular ventilation will also keep your plants healthy and comfortable as they grow.
8. Sow Grass Seed for a New Lawn
April is the ideal time to repair any damaged lawns. When sowing grass seed, make sure the soil is well-prepared. Remove any weeds, rake the surface smooth, and water thoroughly after sowing. A lush, green lawn is within reach, and by planting now, you’ll have plenty of time to watch it grow through the spring and into summer.