Jobs in the garden - April

Written by Daily Fix - Published 01-Apr-2019, last updated 21-Jun-2024

Hopefully, Spring is finally in evidence this month. Daffodils and flowering trees start to bloom bringing a welcome splash of colour to our awakening gardens.

Dodge the inevitable April showers and look out for sunny days when you can treat the lawns to an early trim.

For many people April is one of the most exciting months in the garden as growth is in evidence and signs of the growing season abound with indoor-sown seeds well into growth...

Just keep an eye out for frosts!

Protect fruit trees from frosts

During early spring, frost can easily harm the new growth and blossoms. It is not only plants in full bloom that are at risk, but also buds and even fertilised flowers. Therefore, if severe frosts are expected, protect fruit trees should be continued for two weeks after flowering. Smaller trees can be covered with fleece overnight to provide frost protection and removed during the day.

Start feeding citrus plants

From late March to late October, feed your citrus plants using a summer feed high in nitrogen as opposed to the more balanced winter feed you should be using from late October to late March.

Look out for fertilisers specifically formulated for citrus, available from nurseries and garden centres.

Cut down dead growth on perennials

It is important to trim any dead growth that was left on perennials over winter to is still present on perennials, particularly grasses, before there is a high chance of harming new growth.

Plant summer-flowering bulbs and sow sweet peas

If you haven't already done so in March, plant summer-flowering bulbs. These bulbs will provide bursts of vibrant colors and beautiful blooms throughout the warm months. Some popular options include dahlias, lilies, gladioli, and begonias.

Plan your bulb selection carefully to create an arrangement that combines colors, sizes, and bloom times for continuous visual interest throughout the season. With proper care, your garden will be transformed into a thriving oasis abundant with beauty and fragrance this summer.

To add a touch of fragrance to your garden, now is also the perfect time to sow sweet peas. Soak the seeds overnight before sowing them about one inch deep in moist soil. These delicate, climbing flowers can bring a delightful scent and graceful charm to any outdoor space. Choose a sunny area and ensure that you provide support for them to climb on, such as trellises or fences.

By taking these simple steps during April, you can set the stage for a stunning summer display in your garden.

Dead-head early flowering daffodils

Depending on the region you reside in, a portion of your daffodils might have already blossomed as spring progresses. If you notice that any of the daffodils have faded and wilted, it is recommended to dead-head them promptly. Dead-heading involves removing the fading flower heads to prevent the plant from diverting its energy towards producing seed heads. By doing so, more nutrients and resources can be allocated to nourishing the bulb's growth for next year's blooms.

When dead-heading daffodils, it is important to carefully remove only the spent flower head, ensuring that no foliage or green stem is cut accidentally. Utilise clean and sharp gardening shears or scissors for this task to minimize damage to the plant. Gently snip off the withered flower head just above where it attaches to the central stem.

Water newly planted trees

Watering newly planted trees is crucial for their survival and growth, especially during periods of dry weather. After the initial planting, these young trees depend heavily on regular watering to establish strong roots and adapt to their new environment. Without sufficient moisture, they are more susceptible to stress, diseases, and in some cases, death.

To provide the best start for your newly planted trees, it is important to water them thoroughly right after planting and continue doing so as needed until they become well-established.

Start planning for May

May will be with us in a flash. So why not use rainy April days to plan what gardeing jobs you are going to be tackling in May.