A variety of flowering plants in pots and containers

April brings gardeners sunshine and showers, longer days and warmer weather. And… with Easter this month too, the extended weekend gives you more opportunity to get your garden in shape for a lush, green, bountiful and colour abundant summer.

Protect

However, for a few more weeks, protection is still needed from the late frosts that are a threat to new tender shoots; and the blossom on fruiting shrubs and trees benefit from a covering to shield against the heavy April showers that can damage delicate blooms.

Feed

Blackcurrants, gooseberries and cane fruit such as blackberries and raspberries have root systems that grow in spring and will now benefit from being fed. Use a balanced all-purpose fertiliser and then add a good layer of compost that will continue to provide nourishment whilst also suppressing weeds. Adding an additional layer of composted bark mulch on top will help to retain moisture in the hotter months too.

Boost Resilience

It is the perfect time to care for your lawn. The growing season has started and mowing season commenced, so add some essential nutrients with lawn feed. Feeding your lawn in April not only promotes the grass to grow thicker, but also aids the development of a strong root system to boost resilience to stress, such as drought and disease, later in the year.

Sow Seeds

Put in your delicate, highly scented, sweet peas now to allow them to establish and grow. And, sow your seeds for your summer flowers and food crops. Tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, carrots and kale are just some of the many seeds to start off now; alongside summer favourites such as sunflowers, cosmos, nasturtiums, marigolds, flocks and zinnia.

Plant Shrubs and Hanging Baskets

Creating your hanging baskets indoors now, using multi-pack bedding plants and peat-free potting compost, will allow them to create strong root systems, whilst bushing-out and trailing to give a more spectacular summer show of flowers and foliage. In addition, planting new shrubs and trees in Spring, allows them to bed-in and establish whist the weather is milder and less extreme.

Potato Crops

In April the soil temperatures are starting to warm, providing the perfect conditions to plant potato crops – just before the last frosts! Plant straight into the ground or into potato planters to save space, with good drainage and peat-free compost. Potatoes should be placed 10 to 12 centimeters deep, with more soil added as the green shoots appear. Remember to water well throughout the growing period for a bountiful crop.

a ptach of potato plants growing in a bed

Whatever your quest, our friendly and experienced Capital Gardens team are always happy to help. Enjoy our extensive range of shrubs, trees, seeds, composts, gardening products and tools and ask us questions!

Alexandra Palace Garden Centre

Alexandra Palace Way
London
N22 7BB

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 0208 444 2555

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