As the days grow longer and the weather brightens, it's the perfect time to turn attention to the garden. Whether you're an experienced gardener or just starting out, sowing seeds is an accessible activity for everyone. However, timing is crucial, as many plants follow seasonal cycles. Knowing exactly what to plant in April can set you up for a successful growing season from the very beginning.
Why April is a Key Month for Gardeners
April marks a busy period in the gardening calendar, with temperatures warming and light levels increasing. Dr. Anton Rosenfeld, research manager at the charity Garden Organic, emphasises that this month offers ideal conditions for planting. Meanwhile, Chauntelle Lewis, founder of the sustainably-led initiative The Barefoot Planter, notes that April remains a critical time for planning, preparation, and planting, especially in the realm of edible gardening.
With a vast array of options available at garden centres, it can feel overwhelming to know where to begin. To simplify this, we've consulted experts, including RHS chief horticulturist Guy Barter, to compile an essential guide on what to plant in April. This guide covers everything from ornamental flowers to homegrown vegetables, ensuring your garden thrives throughout the year.
Ornamental Plants to Sow in April
For those looking to add beauty to their outdoor spaces, April is an excellent time to focus on ornamental plants. Guy Barter highlights that this month is peak season for alpine plants. He recommends Arabis 'Little Treasure Deep Rose', a creeping evergreen that produces masses of rose-pink flowers in spring, perfect for walls, raised beds, or containers.
Barter also suggests planting Gladioli, which are making a comeback in popularity. These summer bulbs, when planted now, will yield striking spikes of flowers and sword-like green leaves by summer. For continuous blooms, he advises keeping some corms to plant three weeks later, ensuring a staggered flowering period.
Evergreen shrubs are another valuable addition, providing year-round greenery with minimal maintenance. Barter recommends Choisya × dewitteana White Dazzler, which flowers in late spring and often again in late summer, offering sweetly scented white flowers and aromatic foliage.
Penstemon is praised as one of the best late summer flowers, resistant to slugs and beloved by insects. Varieties like Penstemon 'Raven' can grow up to 80cm tall, producing deep purple bell-shaped flowers from July through September if spent spikes are removed.
Horticulturist Martyn Cox suggests Allium ‘Bubble Bath’ for its prolonged blooming period from June to September, featuring lavender-coloured pompom-like flowers. Additionally, Chauntelle Lewis advocates for Nasturtiums, a versatile trailing edible flower that serves as both a decorative element and a pest deterrent in gardens.
Salvia ‘Amistad’ is another perennial recommended by Cox, growing to about 1.5m tall and attracting pollinators with its dark purple flowers from early summer until autumn frosts.
Edible Plants to Grow in April
For those interested in cultivating their own food, April offers numerous opportunities. Dr. Anton Rosenfeld recommends kale, particularly the Red Russian variety, which can be sown now for harvests throughout summer and autumn. Its flat, dissected leaves are less prone to pests and delicious in salads.
Glasshouse cucumbers, such as the National Pickling variety, are also ideal for April planting. Rosenfeld notes that these produce small, crunchy cucumbers with superior flavour compared to supermarket types.
Chauntelle Lewis highlights potatoes as a beginner-friendly option. The process of chitting, where potatoes sprout eyes before planting, can give them a head start, though it's not essential. This vegetable is easy to grow and yields a bountiful harvest.
Lettuce, specifically the Marvel of 4 Seasons variety, is recommended by Rosenfeld for its year-round sowing potential. This butterhead lettuce has crisp red and green leaves and resists bolting in summer heat.
Radishes are another fast-germinating crop that can be sown directly in garden gaps, perfect for intercropping with other vegetables. Lewis suggests sowing them every two weeks for a continuous supply.
Onions and garlic are beneficial for repelling pests like aphids and beetles, making them excellent companions in the garden. Lewis encourages planting both to enhance crop protection.
Martyn Cox recommends beetroot ‘Chioggia’ for its unique pink roots with concentric white rings, a historic variety from Venice. Strawberry ‘Toscana’ is also suggested for its dark pink flowers and sweet berries produced from June to October.
By following these expert recommendations, gardeners can ensure a productive and vibrant garden throughout the growing season. Remember to complement your plantings with suitable garden furniture to fully enjoy your outdoor space.
