You may also want to look over your lawn and revisit your plant collection
09:29, 14 Apr 2026Updated 09:29, 14 Apr 2026
Now is a good time to do some jobs in your garden(Image: Getty)
Gardeners have been encouraged to get to work on their outdoor spaces, as this is an ideal time to tackle a number of tasks. One horticulturalist has offered some handy tips on the changes he says you should make to your garden this April.
Nick Wood, from garden supplies retailer GardeningExpress, says April is a brilliant month to get stuck into your garden. He said: “April is the month when gardens begin to wake up after winter, with warmer days and longer evenings it’s the perfect opportunity to spend more time outdoors. Looking after your garden keeps it healthy, and helps to attract wildlife, creating a thriving local ecosystem that supports biodiversity.
“Wildlife becomes active again during spring, with birds building nests and insects emerging, so providing fresh water, food, and safe spaces will help to encourage them to visit, supporting a balanced, thriving garden ecosystem.” He said that this period is especially significant for birds.
A healthy ecosystem
The specialist said: “April is peak bird nesting season, so providing suitable bird food, safe birdboxes, and fresh water can support them and encourage them into your garden to promote a healthy ecosystem.” You might also consider introducing some new plants to your outdoor collection.
State Pensioners to face major tax change
Mr Wood said: “April is a great time to sow root vegetables, as they can withstand any final harsh weather before summer sets in. Sowing crops such as carrots, potatoes, and parsnips now will provide a harvest throughout the summer.
“Perennials such as peonies, coneflowers, and geraniums can withstand April’s fluctuating weather. Planting them now allows them to develop foliage within the first six weeks, so by late summer you can enjoy their beautiful blooms.”
He also suggested mulching during this period. The garden specialist explained: “Mulching helps to retain moisture, giving your plants water when they need it and preventing the soil from becoming waterlogged. It can also help maintain warmth during April’s often unpredictable conditions.”
Harvest time
Alongside sowing fresh plants, April is a good time to gather the rewards from earlier crops. This is the moment to harvest alliums such as spring onions, leafy greens including lettuce and spinach, and quick-growing root vegetables like radishes and baby carrots.
You should also watch for weeds that can take hold as spring progresses. Mr Wood advised: “Keep an eye on them early to reduce their growth and prevent them from competing for nutrients with the crops you want.”
A spring clean may well be overdue, clearing away debris from fallen leaves and wind-blown material. This serves is not for just aesthetic purposes.
Preventing bacteria and mould
The expert noted: “Removing this not only makes your garden look instantly tidier but also helps prevent the growth of bacteria and mould in damp, shaded areas.” Another recommendation as spring blooms begin to fade is to prune them now before fresh buds begin developing.
This will promote vigorous growth and help prepare your plants for the season ahead. Gardeners might also want to inspect their lawns as temperatures begin to rise.
Mr Wood said: “Start by removing debris, then aerate the soil to reduce compaction. Mow with the blades set high to avoid stressing the grass, which will also provide protection in case of any late cold snaps.”
Comments are closed.