Gardening tips for April

The spring clean

Now's the time to give the garden a good old-fashioned spring-clean!

Prune early spring-flowering shrubs like Forsythia or Chaenomeles once they finish flowering.  Cut back these wonderful shrubs like Cornus (Dogwood) to encourage them to produce new shoots that'll provide that vibrant display next winter.

Deadhead spring bulbs but leave the foliage to die back naturally.  It is the foliage of the bulb that enables it to rebuild and be able to bloom again next year.

If you have a greenhouse or tunnel, give it a good clean.  Disinfect benches and other surfaces and you'll minimise the risk of pests and diseases that just love these cosy sheltered places.  Products such as Jeyes Fluid are recommended.

Trees, shrubs & roses

Once you see your roses, shrubs and trees start to put on new growth, scatter a slow-release general purpose fertiliser around the base of each plant and rake in. This provides a base layer of nutrients that will help feed the plant through its growing season.
Follow this with a layer of mulch such as well-rotted farmyard manure or garden compost as this will help maintain the moisture in the ground and help suppress weed growth.

Capture your climbers

Tie in any stray long shoots of climbing roses, honeysuckle and clematis. To encourage climbing roses to produce plenty of flowers, tie shoots so that they lie as close to horizontal as possible.
As a general rule, climbers are pruned following their flowering period, allowing the plant to recover and initiate the buds for the next season.  However, as with most things gardening, there are always exceptions to the rule!  It's a good idea to check when your climbers should be pruned and make a diary note to remind you through the season.

Cottage garden champions

How many times have we all forgotten to put support in place for the herbaceous perennials and then, all of a sudden, it's too late? Cottage garden plants can grow very quickly so it's good practice to put the supports in place now and allow the plants to grow through them.  If you've ever tried to fit plant support after the plant has grown, you'll understand what we mean!

It's also a good time to lift and divide overgrown clumps of perennials. You could even take the chance to re-site them in a different location and plant new perennials and shrubs to fill gaps in the border.

Fabulous flowers ahead

Why not introduce new plants into your garden this spring.  Cottage garden plants, grasses, ferns and shrubs can all be planted now.  Hardy annuals that are grown from seed such as poppies, cornflower and nigella can be sown outdoors about now.
To encourage bushy growth in Sweet Peas and Fuchsias, pinch out the growing tips so that they branch out near the base of the plant.
Summer bedding and plants for planters and baskets also start to become available now although take care to protect the less hardy varieties from late frosts.  Get your planters and baskets under way now and they'll give you an even better display once the temperatures are suitable for them to go outdoors. 

Get ready for veg

Clear the weeds in your vegetable beds and dig in garden compost or well-rotted farmyard manure. This will improve soil structure, retain moisture in dry summers and help soil drain better in wet years.

If you're using containers, give them a good clean, not forgetting the saucers or growbag trays.  It's surprising how easily these containers can provide safe harbour for pests and diseases.  Empty old compost into the borders and refill with new growing media ready for this years veg crop.

Tasty home-grown food

Many veg seedlings will be available in the garden centre during April whilst other veg such as broad beans, carrots, beetroot and parsnips can be sown directly into your bed or container from seed.  And there's still time to plant potatoes and enjoy that wonderful taste of home-grown spuds in just a few weeks!
The more tender veg will also be available during April, and they will need protection from any late frosts.

And don't forget your herb cupboard - you can grow masses of herbs in summer to dry and last you through the winter months.  Choose your favourites and get under way!

Any questions?

We understand that every garden is different and every gardener has their own preferences for their outdoor living spaces.

At Merryhatton  we have an experienced plant team who are delighted to offer help customers get the best from their plants and garden.