As April arrives, gardeners across the UK are being encouraged to prepare their gardens for the warmer months ahead. Experts from Country Living have advised that this is the ideal time to feed trees, shrubs, and hedges with a balanced slow-release fertiliser to boost growth before they flower. They recommend forking the fertiliser lightly into the soil, particularly around roses.
The experts have also highlighted four specific flowers to plant this month for a vibrant summer display. Sarah Raven, a gardening expert, told Country Living: “For a dazzling summer display, plant bulbs such as lilies, gladioli, freesias and crocosmia in early April.” She added that when planting lily bulbs in heavy soil, gardeners should add grit to improve drainage and help them establish.
In addition to flowers, April is a prime time to start a vegetable garden. Ms Raven advised sowing salad leaves, carrots, peas, beetroot, spinach, and chard. She emphasised the importance of successional sowing at regular intervals to ensure a steady harvest of fresh produce throughout the summer.
With longer days and milder weather setting in, the experts urge gardeners not to panic but to take tasks one step at a time. By following these simple steps, gardeners can lay the foundations for a thriving garden in the coming months.
