Nic's pick of the month: Grow Your Own Christmas Dinner
April Gardening: Spring's Full Bloom Beckons!
April showers usher in the heart of spring, and gardens everywhere burst with life and color. As the chill of winter fully recedes, gardeners are gifted with longer days and milder temperatures. Now is the time to immerse yourself in your garden's transformation and set the stage for a bountiful summer. Here's your guide to gardening jobs for April and the prime seeds to sow this month.
Gardening Tasks for April:
General Maintenance:
- Weed Control: As growth accelerates, so do weeds. Regularly weed your garden beds to prevent them from taking over.
- Watering: April showers might be frequent, but ensure newly planted areas receive adequate water, especially during drier spells.
- Staking: As plants grow taller, they might require support. Stake plants like tall perennials and tomatoes to help them grow upright.
Greenhouse and Indoors:
- Transition Plants: Begin hardening off plants that were started indoors, gradually acclimating them to outdoor conditions.
- General Cleanup: Ensure your greenhouse is tidy, removing any debris or spent plants.
Lawn Care:
- Regular Mowing: With rapid growth, your lawn might need mowing once a week. Ensure mower blades are sharp for a clean cut.
- Edge Maintenance: Tidy up lawn edges for a neater appearance.
Seeds to Sow in April:
Vegetables:
- Salad Crops: Direct sow lettuce, radishes, and other salad greens.
- Root Veggies: It's a great time for sowing beetroot, carrots, and parsnips.
- Nightshades: Begin sowing tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants indoors if you haven't already.
Flowers:
- Summer Stars: Direct sow sunflowers, zinnias, and cosmos for a vibrant summer display.
- Climbers: Consider sowing sweet peas and morning glories if you didn't get to it last month.
Herbs:
- Flavorful Foliage: Direct sow parsley, cilantro, dill, and basil in pots or beds.
Fruits:
- Berry Time: If you haven't already, plant out raspberry and blackberry canes. Also, consider sowing melons indoors for a summer treat.
April is a month brimming with potential and promise. As you witness buds unfurling and seedlings stretching towards the sun, it's a tangible reminder of nature's wonders. This month's tasks and sowing activities lay the foundation for months of harvesting and floral enjoyment. So, grab those garden tools and dance in those April showers; a season of growth and abundance is just around the corner. Happy gardening!