Things to Do in April
Well it’s almost half way through April, the Easter Holidays are now over and the children are back at school. Everywhere I look there is amazing blossom, which makes me happy! It’s time to focus on some of those To-Do’s in the garden. I’ve found some good lists online from various blogs so here is a list of things we need to get done in our garden over the next couple of weeks:
Our lawn is a mess so we need to scarify, feed, seed, roll and mow. Always feels a bit of a daunting task that we often put off!
We have some clump forming perennials (e.g. geraniums) so I will divide them up to so we keep them under control and also means we can give them to our friends and neighbours.
I’ve never had Dahlia’s before but have bought some for the first time so I need to pot those up / or perhaps plant them straight in the ground. If you have these already it’s important to check the tubers for mould discarding any that aren’t firm and or are furry.
Dead-head bulbs that have flowered – this will help them store their energy ready for next year’s blooms.
Prepare beds for the growing season. Dig in a 5cm (or more) layer of compost or well-rotted manure. You can also work in a general-purpose fertiliser, such as pelleted chicken manure, or fish, blood & bone.
Start the vegetable sowing – we plan to plant beetroot, sweetcorn, cucumber, tomatoes and of course sweetcorn which we love with our BBQs.
Pinch out the tips of fuchsia plants and sweet pea plant shoots, to encourage bushy growth this summer.
Sow sweet peas and other hardy annuals - I have tried to start some off indoors but they are not looking too happy so I have another packet of sweet peas which I intend to put straight outdoors.
Thank you to these blogs that have helped me form my list:
Things to do in April – Busy Gardening
What to do in the garden in April | Thompson & Morgan (thompson-morgan.com)
Fruit & Vegetable Growing Guide for April Allotment (allotment-garden.org)