Sunshine and Showers
and All Things Flowers
Spring is finally showing its face as daffodils and flowering trees start to bloom, writes Tracy Hargreave
Expect the inevitable April showers in early spring, but with sunny days too, you can turn your attention to going outside and getting your garden in order.
April is an exciting month for gardening. With indoor-sown seeds well into growth, it’s also time to start sowing outdoors. But just watch out for frosts, as we know from our recent weather, they’re not over yet!
There are, however, some top jobs you can start on with, which will make a difference to your garden.
Keep weeds under control. They won’t have grown much over the winter months, but now is the time when they will make up for it. Weed little and often to keep on top of it.
Protect fruit blossom from late frosts. Use a frost blanket to cover the blooms but remove it as soon as the danger is over. Keep grass around trees mown short in flowering season, as long grass prevents heat being radiated from the soil.
Tie in climbing and rambling roses and feed hungry shrubs and roses. Increase the water given to houseplants and sow new lawns or repair bare patches. Hanging baskets can be planted up, but it’s advisable to keep in the greenhouse or indoors, while the plants grow on, so they are strong enough to survive the late frosts.
Look after your lawn. Rake out any dead moss with a scarifier and then fork over to improve drainage. Apply lawn fertiliser and mow growing grass, but keep the blades fairly high still.
April is the time to sow direct carrots, peas, beetroot, winter cabbages, broccoli, lettuce and much more, so you can enjoy those home-made salads later in the year.
There are also some flowers which can be planted in April including, sweet pea, sunflowers, poppies and marigold being just a few.
So get out in the fresh air and make the most of your garden. After all it’s your outdoor living room.
