As spring truly takes hold across Britain, April presents the perfect opportunity to prepare your garden for a spectacular summer display. These ten essential tasks will ensure your outdoor space becomes the envy of the neighbourhood in the coming months.
1. Revitalise Your Lawn
After winter's wear and tear, your lawn needs serious TLC. Begin by giving it its first proper cut of the season, setting your mower blades high to avoid stressing the grass. Follow with thorough scarification to remove thatch and moss, then aerate compacted areas to improve drainage and root growth.
2. Master Weed Control
Get ahead of weeds while they're young and vulnerable. Regular hoeing between plants and along borders prevents them from establishing strong root systems. For persistent perennial weeds, careful application of appropriate weed killer now saves hours of work later.
3. Perfect Your Planting Strategy
April's mild conditions are ideal for planting summer-flowering bulbs like lilies and gladioli. Don't forget to sow hardy annuals directly into prepared soil - cosmos, marigolds and nasturtiums will reward you with months of colour.
4. Prune Spring-Flowering Shrubs
Once forsythia, chaenomeles and spirea finish blooming, give them a thorough prune. Removing old wood encourages vigorous new growth that will carry next year's flowers, keeping shrubs compact and productive.
5. Feed Everything Generously
Plants are entering their peak growing season and need proper nutrition. Apply general-purpose fertiliser to borders, rose food to your roses, and high-potash feed to developing fruit bushes and vegetables.
6. Implement Pest Patrol
As temperatures rise, so do pest populations. Check regularly for aphids on new shoots, slugs and snails around emerging plants, and vine weevil larvae in containers. Early intervention prevents major infestations.
7. Support Growing Plants
Install plant supports now before climbers and tall perennials need them. Pea sticks, grow-through frames and trellises placed early allow plants to grow through them naturally, creating better support and a more attractive appearance.
8. Greenhouse Essentials
Ventilate greenhouses on sunny days to prevent overheating but remember to close vents before temperatures drop at night. Start hardening off half-hardy plants by moving them outside during mild days, bringing them under cover at night.
9. Container Refresh
Revitalise containers by replacing the top layer of compost with fresh, nutrient-rich material. Plant up new containers with seasonal interest, ensuring adequate drainage and using quality compost for best results.
10. Water Wisely
While April showers often provide moisture, keep an eye on recently planted specimens and containers during dry spells. Water early in the morning or evening to reduce evaporation, directing water to the roots where it's needed most.
By dedicating time to these essential April gardening tasks, you'll create the perfect foundation for a thriving, beautiful garden that will provide enjoyment throughout summer and beyond. The effort you invest now will pay dividends in months to come.
