There’s blossom on the trees, the days are getting longer, and it’s finally starting to feel warmer. It can mean only one thing… spring is well and truly here! Time to get out in the garden, so if you’re looking for info on what to do this month, read on to find out what to do in the garden in April.
Preparation
- Remove all weeds from vegetable beds.
- Dig a 5cm layer of compost (or well rotted manure) into the beds.
- Cover any prepared soil with sheets of black plastic. This is to ensure it stays drier and warmer ready for planting later on.
- If you still haven’t built your raised beds, now’s the time to do it!
- Mulch fruit trees. Be careful not to mound up too much around the trunk.
- Check to see if you have any compost ready in your compost bin.
- Top up raised beds with compost.
- Clean paths and paving before the summer arrives.
- Buy vegetable plug plants!
Sowing & Growing
- Thin our your carrot seedlings. This is best done in the evening when there are fewer carrot flies around.
- Create supports around pea plants.
- Plant garlic, onions and shallots.
Harvesting
- Rhubarb that was planted last year can be harvested between now and June.
- Harvest asparagus spears when they’re 18cm tall.
- You can now harvest purple sprouting broccoli. Pick whilst the flower buds are still tight.
- If part of your radishes are visible above the soil, it’s time to harvest. Don’t leave them in the ground too long, as they can become woody and bitter.
- Pull up spring onions when they’re about the same thickness as a pencil.
In the Container Garden
- Top dress containers with fresh compost. If they’re full, replace the top 5cm of soil with fresh compost.
- Check container plants aren’t drying out as the weather warms.
To Conclude – What To Do in the Garden in April
This month we’re moving from preparing the gardening, as we have in previous months, to growing and sowing tasks. There are even some veggies that are ready to harvest. There’s plenty to keep you busy in the garden over the next month. Happy gardening!
