April is the month where things really start to take shape on the plot, after months of waiting, preparing and sowing – the garden is about to explode with life. There’s lots more to do, however, whether that’s continuing with sowing, planting out crops or tackling maintenance jobs
Seasonal tasks The vegetable patch
April can be unpredictable when it comes to weather. We may have a warm month that feels like summer has arrived, or there can sometimes still be lingering frost that you need to be prepared for. Keep an eye on weather forecasts and be ready to react accordingly. Have protective gear to hand and check for suitable conditions before sowing directly outside.
Thin carrot seedlings to give the strongest roots the best chance to grow on. You should do this in the evening to help prevent carrot fly infestations.
Stay on top of weed problems in veg beds, removing any as and when they emerge to avoid it becoming a lengthier task and avoiding any unnecessary competition for your young seedlings.
Continue planting out chitted potatoes – second earlies can be planted at the start of April and maincrop varieties towards the end. You’ll be enjoying an abundance of tasty spuds before you know it!
Prepare supports for runner beans and netting or brushwood for peas this month, in addition to twiggy sticks for any emerging pea crops.
Got asparagus crowns you’re yet to plant? Get these in the ground before April is over for the best results.
The Herb Garden
If you haven’t already done so, trim back any perennial herbs from last year before the new growth makes it too difficult. Sow basil seeds under cover, before pricking out and potting on into 10cm pots in a gritty, loam-based compost mixture. You can also start off rosemary, sage and thyme inside and chives and parsley outside.
Container growing
Watch out for staple crops like tomatoes becoming pot-bound – if this happens, and you notice your plant outgrowing its container, move it into something larger. Plants that were sown early might need bamboo supports to encourage tall growth, too.
If you’ve planted broad beans in pots, keep an eye out for roots showing at the bottom; this will be an indication that they need transplanting.
Begin sowing any veg varieties that are suitable for growing in containers now – such as peas, spinach or beetroot.
Under cover
There’s lots more to get started in April, sow the seeds of runner bean
