April is a month of unpredictability and change. Although the days may be sunny and warm, the threat of hail or frost is ever present. During the month of April, the gardener must be vigilant in protecting any delicate seedlings from damage.
Use this time to finish tidying the garden and prepare for the busy growing season ahead. Ensure that all pruning has been completed and prepare the strawberry beds. Finish planting fruit trees, canes and bushes and renew the grease band around fruit trees, if necessary.
[photo by: Tie Guy II]
Due to the warmer weather and increasing amount of light, rapid growth can be expected in the garden during April. Take advantage of dry days to finish digging and preparing the garden for sowing and to hoe between crops that have wintered over. Early crops may be safely planted if protected by cloches.
Attend to the lawn and adjacent areas. Look for spots that are thin or bare and reseed. Prepare borders and flower beds for planting, adding nutrients to the soil, if necessary. Put in bedding plants but keep a close watch and cover them with fleece if there is any danger of frost or hail.
Thin and transplant seedlings and fertilise other plants, as needed. Harden seedlings in preparation for transfer to the garden by allowing them to acclimate to variations in the outside temperature. Over the course of a couple of weeks, set tender plants out in a sheltered location for increasing lengths of time during the day but always remember to bring them in each night.