Keep on top of weeding

As the weather gets warmer, weeds will start to spring up in you garden. Regular weeding is important, and much easier whilst they are small! Pull them out by hand, or use a spade.

Be aware of late frost

Keep a close eye on the weather during April, as frosts are still possible. Flowers and buds are especially vulnerable, so if frost is forecast protect plants with horticultural fleece or cloches.

Top up soil

Your garden soil may be in poor condition after the Winter, so dig in a 5cm layer of compost or manure to prepare your beds for the growing season.

Sow vegetables

Mid-April is the perfect time to sow your vegetable patch. Prepare the area by ensuring it is free from weeds, and well fertilised – as soon as your soil reaches 6ºC you can start to sow directly outside.

Things to sow now include carrots, lettuces, rocket, spring onions, spinach, leeks and beetroots.

Support perennials

Plant supports should ideally be put in place in Spring, before plants have grown too much. Later staking is more difficult as plants have grown fuller and can easily be damaged.

Deadhead flowers

Deadhead any early flowering bulbs, such as daffodils and tulips, but leave the foliage intact so it can die back naturally.

Sow/repair lawns

Re-seed, or turf bare patches to make sure your lawn looks it’s best for Summer. Of course if you have artificial grass, your lawn will look perfect all year round, just give it a quick brush up.

Feed trees, shrubs and hedges

Apply a layer of mulch around trees and shrubs, and feed hedges with a good, slow release fertiliser. They’ll grow greener and stronger, so be ready with the clippers!

Sit back, relax and enjoy the sunshine!

Most importantly, now that the sun is out, don’t forget to take a few moments to relax, listen to the birds, and admire the spring blooms.