April is one of the busiest months in the gardening calendar as spring growth accelerates and the risk of frost begins to fade. It’s a time for planting, tidying, and nurturing plants as the garden comes to life.
General maintenance involves keeping the garden tidy by clearing debris, weeding regularly, and ensuring paths and borders remain neat. It’s a good time to check water butts, clean out gutters, and ensure irrigation systems are in working order.
In ornamental gardening, plant summer bedding plants in containers or borders once the risk of frost has passed. Sow hardy annuals directly into the ground and transplant seedlings started earlier indoors. Deadhead spring bulbs like daffodils and tulips to direct energy back to the bulbs. Stake tall perennials and climbing plants to prevent wind damage, and mulch flowerbeds to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
For fruit and vegetable gardening, sow a wide variety of seeds outdoors, including beetroot, carrots, peas, and spinach. Plant maincrop potatoes and harden off indoor-grown vegetables such as courgettes and runner beans before planting them outside. Feed and mulch fruit trees, raspberries, and strawberries, and keep an eye out for pests like aphids. Thin out earlier sowings of crops like radishes and lettuces for better growth.
Lawn care in April focuses on mowing more regularly as the grass grows vigorously. Gradually lower the mower height as the weather warms. Scarify the lawn to remove thatch and aerate compacted areas. Reseed any bare patches and feed the lawn with a spring fertilizer to encourage healthy growth.
Wildlife and sustainability tasks include keeping bird feeders topped up and providing fresh water for wildlife. Add pollinator-friendly plants like foxgloves and lavender to your garden, and leave a section of wildflowers or grass to grow naturally to support biodiversity. Avoid disturbing hedgehog nests and check for frogs or toads in ponds.
April is a month of transformation in the garden, offering plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and set the stage for a beautiful growing season.
