April Garden Must-haves
What to do in your garden this April
As the weather starts to warm up and spring comes into full swing, April can be a busy month for the garden…. Here are some of the things you can do to prepare your garden for the growing season:
Prepare your seedbeds:
Remove any weeds from your vegetable beds and dig in a layer of compost or manure to improve drainage and fertility. You can also cover the prepared soil with black plastic to help retain heat and moisture.
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Sow seeds:
Many cool-season vegetables can be sown directly outdoors in April, including peas, carrots, beetroot, spinach, and lettuce. If you have a greenhouse or propagator, you can also start sowing warm-season vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, and squash.
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Plant potatoes:
Second early potatoes can be planted outdoors in April. Make sure to chit your potatoes (encourage shoots to grow) before planting by placing them in a cool, light spot for a few weeks.
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Protect fruit trees from frost:
Late frosts can damage blossom on fruit trees.You can protect your trees by covering them with horticultural fleece on cold nights.
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Feed your plants:
Apply a general-purpose fertilizer to your lawn and flower beds to give them a boost for the growing season.
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Weed and mulch:
Regularly weed your beds to prevent weeds from competing with your plants for water and nutrients. Apply a layer of mulch around your plants to help suppress weeds, retain moisture, and regulate soil temperature.
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Take care of your lawn:
April is a good time to sow grass seed or lay new turf.You can also scarify your lawn to remove moss and thatch, and apply a weed killer to get rid of any unwanted plants.
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Divide perennials:
If your perennials are becoming overcrowded, you can divide them in April. This will help to rejuvenate the plants and encourage them to flower more prolifically.
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Plant summer bedding:
Once the risk of frost has passed, you can start planting summer bedding plants such as petunias, marigolds, and impatiens. These will add a splash of color to your garden throughout the summer.
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By following these tips, you can get your garden off to a great start in April and enjoy a bountiful harvest later in the year.