Gardening tips for April

The RHS top 10 jobs for this month

1. Keep weeds under control
2. Protect fruit blossom from late frosts
3. Tie in climbing and rambling roses
4. Sow hardy annuals and herb seeds
5. Start to feed citrus plants
6. Increase the water given to houseplants
7. Feed hungry shrubs and roses
8. Sow new lawns or repair bare patches
9. Prune fig trees
10. Divide bamboos and waterlilies

Week 1

- Asparagus crowns can be planted outside now
- Sow coriander seeds in the herb garden
- Lift, divide and replant overgrown clumps of marginal pond plants
- More seeds can be sown. French Beans should be put in. Those wanting to try Spinach, Kohl Rabi, Ramion and Salsify can still put the seeds in.
- Marjoram, mint, sage, thyme can be lifted, divided and replanted, but remember mint goes everywhere unless contained
- Give the terrace a spring clean to remove dirt, moss and weeds.

Week 2

- Hardy annuals that don’t mind the cold – calendulas, cornflowers, lavateras, nasturtiums – can be sown now shallowly and thinly, in patches or between clumps of late perennials
- Weeds will now start to fight their way into the garden, so get out there with your hoe. Treat paths with weedkiller.
- Runner Beans raised in boxes should be planted.
- Prepare beds for Cucumbers, Marrows and Tomatoes.
- Get the ground ready for plants and seeds such as frame grown Brussels sprouts, Cauliflower, and Lettuces.
- Keep an eye open for any sign of frost and protect young shoots that need your help

Week 3

- Give attention to the lawn, roll it to flatten the worm casts and tidy its edges, give it its first cut when conditions are right.
- Trim and tidy up all climbers before they start into growth
- Under glass sow Runner Beans, cucumbers, marrows and melons. Prick off celery and tomato seedlings. Harden off Brussels Sprouts, cauliflowers and lettuces
- It is not too late to start Fuchsias in heat or take cuttings
- Take cuttings of all soft wood plants and strike them in pots or boxes.
- Prepare the summer bedding and at the same time lift any bulbs that may be in the way of future plants
- Biennials and Perennials can be sown if they are to flower during the summer

Week 4

- Do not forget the pond, as the water lilies can be divided.
- Re pot Azaleas after they have flowered
- Harden off summer bedding plants that were sown last month. Pinch out the top to make them bush out.
- Look at the rock garden and check if any of the plants need to be propagated by division to keep their number up.
- Greenhouse temperatures should be maintained at 11C (65F) by day and 8C (45F) by night. Use auto vents where possible

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