April is an exciting time in the garden. The soil is warming, days are getting longer, and everything is beginning to wake up. There’s plenty to do outdoors, and a little effort now will reward you with a blooming, bountiful summer. Whether you’re nurturing borders or giving your lawn a little love, here are our top gardening jobs for April.
1. Sow Hardy Annuals, Herbs & Wildflowers Outdoors
Now the risk of frost is easing, it’s a great time to sow hardy annuals like cosmos and calendula straight into the soil. Herbs like parsley, dill and coriander can go in too, and wildflowers will attract bees and butterflies later in the season.
2. Protect Fruit Tree Blossom from Late Frosts
Blossom on apple, pear and plum trees can be easily damaged by unexpected frosts. Use fleece or breathable garden fabric to protect delicate flowers on chilly nights—especially if your trees are in exposed areas.
3. Keep Weeds in Check
Warmer weather means weeds will be popping up fast. Stay on top of them with regular hoeing or hand-pulling before they can take over. It’s one of the simplest ways to give your plants space to grow.
4. Increase Watering of Houseplants
With more light and longer days, your houseplants will be entering a growth spurt. Up your watering slightly and consider giving them a feed to keep them looking their best.
5. Plant Pond Plants & Divide Water Lilies
Add new life to your pond with oxygenating or marginal plants, and divide any overgrown water lilies to encourage better flowering. Make sure roots are secure in aquatic baskets for healthy growth.
6. Repair Lawns & Sow New Grass
April is perfect for patching up your lawn or starting fresh with new turf or seed. Rake, level and sow, then keep the area consistently moist to help the grass establish.
7. Prune Fig Trees
Now’s the time to give your fig tree a tidy up—removing dead or damaged branches and shaping it for summer growth. It’ll thank you with a stronger structure and (hopefully!) a better crop.
8. Divide Bamboo
If your bamboo has outgrown its space, dividing it in spring will keep it in check and provide you with new plants for other parts of the garden. Make sure each divided section has a healthy root system.
9. Mulch Roses & Shrubs
A layer of mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds and give your plants a nutrient boost. Use composted bark or garden compost around roses and shrubs—just be sure not to smother the stems.
10. Feed Trees, Shrubs & Hedges
A general-purpose fertiliser like fish, blood and bone will give your garden staples a solid spring start. Scatter around the base of each plant and water in well.
Let Your Garden Flourish This Spring
Taking the time to tick off a few of these tasks now will give your garden the best possible start to the growing season. So grab your gloves and head outside—it’s time to enjoy the longer days and get stuck in! And if you need tools, seeds, lawn feed or expert advice, pop in and see us at Kings Garden and Leisure. We’re here to help you make the most of your garden this spring and beyond.