Plant suitable crops during April.
Springtime in the UK offers a burst of gardening action, particularly for ornamental and vegetable gardens. April is the jam-packed month for sowing various seeds and planting bulbs outside, while also starting seedlings indoors for transplanting later.
In the veggie patch, it's the perfect time to direct-sow crops like carrots and peas, but tender plants such as sweetcorn and courgettes should start indoors and be transplanted later when all frost risk has passed. Don't forget about the all-star potatoes, onions, shallots, garlic, and Jerusalem artichokes for a hearty harvest.
Vegetables like aubergines, chillies, and tomatoes are best started indoors in a heated propagator for optimal results. Onion sets, lettuce, and radishes can be planted under cover or in pots, too. To protect your crops from carrot fly, invest in horticultural fleece or strategic allium plantings as an effective deterrent.
April marks the ideal time to plant fruit trees like figs, citrus, and currants, as well as gooseberries. In the flower garden, sow annual climbers like Spanish flag, cosmos, and poppies for dazzling summer displays, or take it easy with low-maintenance, bee-friendly flowers like bunny's tail grass, bee balm, and eucomis.
Don't forget to invest in cold frames and greenhouses for even better growing conditions, whether you're a new gardener or a seasoned pro. Check out helpful guides to choosing the best greenhouse and the most useful accessories to help make your gardening adventure a breeze. For small spaces, indoor greenhouses are a viable option, providing you with a haven to grow your favourite blooms.
Happy planting, gardeners!
You'll need:
- Seeds for various vegetables and flowers
- Cold frames or greenhouses (optional but beneficial)
- Garden tools and equipment (e.g., trowels, rakes, horticultural fleece)
Easy and Quick Veggies to Grow in April:
- Radishes: These quick-growing veggies make an ideal catch crop for space-saving and continuous harvest.
- Lettuce: Start lettuce seedlings indoors and plant them out when large enough to handle for protection against slugs and snails.
- Peas: Can be sown directly outside or in guttering and transplanted into a trench for a quick and easy spring harvest.
Fruits to Grow in April:
- Strawberries: Plant runners this month for an early summer fruit feast.
- Gooseberries: Tough and resilient, these hardy fruits thrive in cool, damp climates typical of the UK.
Tips and Tricks:
- Utilize raised beds for improved soil warmth and drainage.
- Prepare the soil by tilling and adding compost if necessary.
- Water consistently, especially for newly planted seeds and seedlings.
- Support climbing plants such as peas and beans using trellises or stakes.
- Use frost protection methods if sowing early in April, especially for sensitive plants.
In the home-and-garden sphere, April is an opportune time for sowing seeds like radishes and lettuce, or planting peas directly in the garden, and starting some vegetables indoors, such as tomatoes, aubergines, and chillies, for later transplanting. Additionally, gooseberries are ideal fruits to grow in April, making the most of the UK's cool, damp climate.
