Jobs for April
Ding, dong, ding, little April showers - Now is the perfect time to enhance your garden by sowing hardy annuals and native wildflowers in gaps, while also adding instant colour with primulas and polyanthus in pots.
Protect young shoots of delicate plants from pests, continue deadheading to conserve energy, and plant pineapple lily bulbs for summer flair. Sow sweet peas and make sure to transplant autumn-sown varieties, treat roses with fungicide, and take basal cuttings from perennials to promote growth.
Prune hydrangeas and reinvigorate mature perennials by dividing and replanting, sow sunflowers in sunny spots, check for aphids on roses, and consider adding aquatic plants to your garden pond for added biodiversity.
It's an excellent time to plant second-early and maincrop potatoes, while also using cardboard collars to protect brassicas from cabbage root fly. If your broad beans show signs of aphids, consider pinching out their tips or applying a soap-based solution. Prepare for late May or June by sowing outdoor varieties of tomatoes, chillies, and courgettes, and divide hardy herbs like lemon balm and chives. Sow small batches of rocket and other salad leaves, continue with bare-root asparagus and Jerusalem artichoke tubers, and mix flowering companions like pot marigolds and borage into your veg plot. To extend your harvest, stagger plantings of garlic, shallots, and onions, along with herbs such as parsley and dill. Protect seedlings from slugs and snails, and take advantage of gaps by sowing fast-growing crops like radishes.
Houseplants
As daylight increases and temperatures gradually rise, it's crucial to provide attentive care to your houseplants to encourage healthy growth. Begin by ensuring they receive adequate sunlight, rotating pots to promote even light exposure, and adjusting their placement if necessary.
Watering should be adjusted based on the increasing warmth; allow the top inch of soil to dry out before re-watering to prevent root rot. Fertilising with a balanced houseplant food can support new growth, while pruning any dead or yellowing leaves will help maintain plant health. Additionally, consider repotting any plants that have outgrown their containers, and inspect for pests, treating infestations promptly to keep your greenery thriving throughout the spring.
Lawn Care
**Spring into Lawn Care: April Maintenance Tips! 🌱🌼**
As we welcome April, it's time to revitalise your lawn after winter's chill!
Start by raking up any leaves or debris to promote healthy growth. Now is an ideal time for aeration, allowing water and nutrients to penetrate the soil deeply. Consider overseeding with a mix suited for your region to fill in any bare patches and enhance your lawn's density. Don’t forget to fertilize—choose a balanced lawn food to give your grass the essential nutrients it craves as it emerges from dormancy. Make sure to adjust your mowing height to keep the grass a bit longer; this encourages deeper root growth and better drought resistance. Lastly, be consistent with watering, especially if the March rains have been scarce. Follow these tips to ensure your lawn thrives throughout the season! Happy lawn caring! 🍃