The cold, dreary winter is behind us and it’s time to get out in the garden and prepare for a new growing season.
Check out these 8 important Things to Do in the Garden in April to shape it well for the warm season!
1. Clean the Garden
Don’t leave those golden autumn leaves on the lawn to kill the grass and blow about filling up the gutters to ultimately end up in the storm-water drains. Rake them up instead and compost or use as a mulch in garden beds. Well-rotted leaf mould as it’s called is nutrient-rich and extremely beneficial to garden soil.
2. Lawn Edging
After cleaning up your garden, you need to do some edging. This allows you to clearly divide the flower beds, the lawn, and the garden. Beyond aesthetics, edging also separates the soil, mulch, and rocks.
3. Supercharge Your Soil
Remember that your soil needs nutrients, too, so now is time to add copious amounts of well rotted manure or organic compost. This critical step improves soil structure, feeds the essential microbial organisms in the soil and encourages beneficial insect activity.
4. Go On Pest Patrol
Aphids, snails, and slugs are hiding and hibernating in the crowns of plants and under leaves but are slowly rearing their hungry heads to come enjoy on your garden.
If you look closer, you could also find white vine weevil larvae in your compost heap. These larvae would feed on the roots of your plants. Be sure to treat your plants for vine weevils as well.
5. Plant spring flowering bulbs
Now is the time to plant spring bulbs such as Freesia, hyacinth, crocus, anemone, Babiana and tulips. Choose a spot with light, well-drained soil or plant in pots that can be moved out of sight after flowering. In warm areas, chill hyacinth and tulip bulbs in the crisper section of your fridge in a well-marked paper bag for about eight weeks before planting.
6. Set Up a Compost Area
Composting is very important when it comes to healthy gardening. Many people don’t usually add compost to their soil, however, you should note that this helps plants to get more nutrients from composting.
Throw in a mixture of anything organic including grass clippings, paper, vegetable peelings, and leaves. Turn the compost once or twice in a month using a rake to keep the compost heap aerated.
7. Time to Grow Vegetables
There are many warm-season vegetables that you might also consider planting this April for the summer harvest
Sow seed outdoors for beetroot, carrots, Swiss chard, summer cauliflower, kohl rabi, lettuce, leeks, radish, turnip, spring and pickling onions, peas and perpetual spinach in well-prepared soil.
Sow seed indoors of marrows, courgettes, pumpkins and squash. Also sweet peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, aubergines, celery, celeriac, salads and globe artichokes.
8. Trees and Shrubs
Prune your trees and deciduous shrubs and remove any dead and sickly looking leaves or branches. This stimulates new plant growth and spring flowering. Be sure to fertilize and also mulch your trees and shrubs.
If you want to add any tree or shrub to your garden, now is the time to do it. You can visit your nearby plant nursery or even order online.