April Maintenance

What to do in your garden in April

·         Keep weeds under control

·         Protect fruit blossom from late frosts

·         Tie in climbing and rambling roses horizontally to restrict sap flow which causes more side-shoots to grow, which in turn produces more flowers

·         Sow hardy annuals and herb seeds

·         Start to feed citrus plants

·         Increase the water given to houseplants

·         Feed hungry shrubs and roses

·         Sow new lawns or repair bare patches

·         Prune fig trees

·         Divide bamboos and water lilies

·         Sweet peas can be sown outside

·         Plant summer flowering bulbs in well-drained soil to prevent the bulbs from rotting

·         Divide clumps of herbaceous perennials

·         Prune tender plants such as penstemons and lavender, cutting just above the fresh, new shoots.

·         Apply a general purpose fertiliser to borders.

·         Deadhead spring bedding plants to continue the flowering period for longer

·         Mulch rose and shrub beds to ensure they retain moisture during dry spells and suppress weeds

·         Remove any reverted green shoots on variegated evergreens

·         Mow the lawn when necessary

·         Sow a wildflower meadow to increase biodiversity and colour in the garden

·         Trim winter-flowering heathers to prevent them from become leggy

 

(Advice taken from www.rhs.org.uk and www.thompson-morgan.com)