April is a crucial month for UK gardeners. With the arrival of spring, it's time to get back into the garden and start preparing for the warmer months ahead. Here's a guide to what UK gardeners should be doing in April.
Maintenance of existing plants
April is a great time to give your existing plants a little bit of TLC. Remove any dead or damaged branches, prune any overgrown shrubs and trees, and give your plants a good feed with a slow-release fertilizer. If you have any bulbs that have finished flowering, deadhead them to prevent them from setting seed and use the nutrients to develop next year's flowers.
Ground preparation
With the soil warming up, now is the perfect time to start preparing your garden beds. Remove any weeds and debris, and turn over the soil with a garden fork to break up any compacted areas. Add a layer of compost or well-rotted manure to improve the soil structure and add nutrients.
Weeding
Weeds can quickly take over a garden, so it's important to stay on top of them. Regularly inspect your garden beds and remove any weeds before they can establish themselves. Using a hoe to chop off the tops of weeds will also prevent them from growing further.
Pruning
Pruning is an important task to keep your plants healthy and looking their best. Prune any roses, shrubs, and trees that have finished flowering, and cut back any overgrown or dead branches. It's also a good time to shape your hedges and topiary.
What to plant now that will flower straight away
There are plenty of plants you can plant in April that will provide you with instant colour. Primroses, pansies, violas, and wallflowers are all great choices that will flower straight away. These plants will tolerate cooler temperatures and can be planted in garden beds or in pots and containers.
What to plant now that will flower in the summer
If you're looking to add colour to your garden later in the season, now is the time to plant summer-flowering bulbs and seeds. Plant bulbs such as lilies, gladioli, and dahlias, and sow seeds for plants such as cosmos, zinnias, and marigolds. These plants will bloom in the summer and add vibrant colour to your garden.
In conclusion, April is a busy month for UK gardeners, with plenty of tasks to get on with. Remember to give your existing plants some attention, prepare your soil, stay on top of weeding and pruning, and start planting for the season ahead. By following these tips, you'll have a beautiful and healthy garden to enjoy all summer long.
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April Gardening Jobs
April is a crucial month for UK gardeners. With the arrival of spring, it's time to get back into the garden and start preparing for the warmer months ahead. Here's a guide to what UK gardeners should be doing in April.
Maintenance of existing plants
April is a great time to give your existing plants a little bit of TLC. Remove any dead or damaged branches, prune any overgrown shrubs and trees, and give your plants a good feed with a slow-release fertilizer. If you have any bulbs that have finished flowering, deadhead them to prevent them from setting seed and use the nutrients to develop next year's flowers.
Ground preparation
With the soil warming up, now is the perfect time to start preparing your garden beds. Remove any weeds and debris, and turn over the soil with a garden fork to break up any compacted areas. Add a layer of compost or well-rotted manure to improve the soil structure and add nutrients.
Weeding
Weeds can quickly take over a garden, so it's important to stay on top of them. Regularly inspect your garden beds and remove any weeds before they can establish themselves. Using a hoe to chop off the tops of weeds will also prevent them from growing further.
Pruning
Pruning is an important task to keep your plants healthy and looking their best. Prune any roses, shrubs, and trees that have finished flowering, and cut back any overgrown or dead branches. It's also a good time to shape your hedges and topiary.
What to plant now that will flower straight away
There are plenty of plants you can plant in April that will provide you with instant colour. Primroses, pansies, violas, and wallflowers are all great choices that will flower straight away. These plants will tolerate cooler temperatures and can be planted in garden beds or in pots and containers.
What to plant now that will flower in the summer
If you're looking to add colour to your garden later in the season, now is the time to plant summer-flowering bulbs and seeds. Plant bulbs such as lilies, gladioli, and dahlias, and sow seeds for plants such as cosmos, zinnias, and marigolds. These plants will bloom in the summer and add vibrant colour to your garden.
In conclusion, April is a busy month for UK gardeners, with plenty of tasks to get on with. Remember to give your existing plants some attention, prepare your soil, stay on top of weeding and pruning, and start planting for the season ahead. By following these tips, you'll have a beautiful and healthy garden to enjoy all summer long.
Want more tips?
Sign up to the Verdant Living newsletter for seasonal advice, exclusive offers, and expert how-tos delivered straight to your inbox.