At last, it looks like Spring has finally arrived!

We’ve had some glorious sunny weather and early flowers are starting to come into bloom. So, what should you be doing in the garden this month to make the most of the season?

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.meadow 43467 1920

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.daisy 1336175 1920

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.dirt 1835651 1920

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.radischen 1379656 1920

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.flower 1181865 1920

Sow sunflowers

It’s best to sow sunflower seeds directly into the soil once the danger of Spring frost has passed. Choose a sunny location and give plants plenty of room!yellow sunflower 403172 1920 1

Deadhead flowers

Deadhead any early flowering bulbs, such as daffodils and tulips, but leave the foliage intact so it can die back naturally.tulips 56423 1920

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.Luxury lawn 3

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!box hedge topiary 869073 1920

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.spring flower 289844 1920