A horticulture expert said now is a “peak” season
Now is a good time to do some jobs in your garden(Image: Getty)
Gardeners have been encouraged to give their outdoor spaces some attention. An expert has said April presents an ideal opportunity to tackle various jobs in the garden.
Nick Wood, from garden supplies retailer GardeningExpress, said April is an excellent month for getting stuck into gardening work. 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 explained that this time of the year is particularly crucial for birds. The expert 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.”
Adding new plants
Gardeners might also consider introducing fresh plants to their outdoor displays. 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 doing some mulching during this period.
The garden expert said: “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 also the time to enjoy the fruits of your earlier efforts. Now is the moment to gather alliums including spring onions, leafy greens such as lettuce and spinach, and quick-growing root vegetables like radishes and baby carrots.
Mr Wood said to remain vigilant for weeds that can take hold as spring advances. The expert said: “Keep an eye on them early to reduce their growth and prevent them from competing for nutrients with the crops you want.”
It might also be the perfect moment for a spring clean, clearing away debris from fallen leaves and whatever’s been blown about by the wind. The reason to do this is not just to make your garden presentable.
Preventing bacteria and mould
The expert said: “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 handy tip as spring blooms begin to fade is to prune your plants now, before fresh buds start to emerge.
Doing so will promote healthy growth and help sculpt your plants ahead of the coming season. As temperatures begin to climb, gardeners would also be wise to cast an eye over their lawns.
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.”
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