April in the English garden is full of energy and unpredictability. Sunshine, showers and the occasional late frost all play their part, and while it can keep gardeners on their toes, this changing weather actually encourages strong, healthy growth.
Lawns begin to surge, spring bulbs reach their peak, weeds start to appear and pests re-emerge. It is a month of real momentum in the garden, where staying one step ahead will make all the difference.
With the right preparation, a little regular maintenance and a visit to our garden centre, April offers ideal conditions to get planting and set your garden up for the months ahead.
Here’s a practical guide to the key gardening jobs to focus on this month.
What to do:
April is one of the best months for sowing flowers that will carry your garden through summer.
Hardy annuals can now be sown directly outdoors where they are to flower. Varieties such as cornflowers, nigella, calendula and poppies are all reliable choices and easy to grow.
Tender varieties still need a little protection, so sow cosmos, zinnias, marigolds and sunflowers indoors or in a greenhouse.
Spring bulbs such as tulips and daffodils may be starting to fade. Deadhead the flowers to stop them putting energy into seed production, but leave the foliage in place to die back naturally and feed the bulbs for next year.
Helpful tips:
– Sow seeds in batches every couple of weeks for a longer flowering season
– Label everything clearly to avoid confusion later on
– Water gently using a fine rose or handheld mister
What to do:
April is a busy and rewarding time in the vegetable garden.
You can now sow many crops directly outdoors, including carrots, beetroot, spinach, lettuce, radishes and peas.
Onion sets, shallots and early potatoes can also be planted out, provided the soil is workable.
Tender crops such as tomatoes, courgettes, pumpkins and sweetcorn should be started indoors or in a greenhouse.
Helpful tips:
– Warm the soil with cloches or plastic sheeting before sowing
– Protect seedlings from slugs and snails using barriers or treatments
– Rotate crops each year to maintain soil health and reduce disease
– If you prefer, choose from our range of ready-grown vegetable seedlings
What to do:
April is an excellent time to add structure and height to your garden.
Plant container-grown trees and shrubs into borders, or choose compact varieties suitable for pots. Tie in climbing plants such as clematis and roses to guide their growth and keep them well-shaped.
Feed roses with a balanced fertiliser to encourage strong, healthy blooms later in the season.
Pruning:
Lightly prune shrubs that flower later in the year, but avoid cutting back spring-flowering varieties until they have finished blooming.
Helpful tips:
– Apply mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds
– Check and adjust tree ties and supports after winter
What to do:
Your lawn will begin to grow quickly in April and will need regular attention.
Start mowing weekly if conditions allow, keeping the blades set high at first and gradually lowering them over time. Rake out moss and thatch, and aerate compacted areas using a garden fork.
Apply a spring lawn feed to encourage healthy growth and reseed any bare patches.
Helpful tips:
– Keep grass at around 3–5 cm to maintain strength
– Always mow when the grass is dry to avoid damage and compaction
What to do:
As temperatures rise, pests quickly become active.
Look out for slugs and snails, aphids and caterpillars, especially on young plants and tender growth.
Encourage natural predators such as birds and hedgehogs, and use physical barriers or organic controls where possible.
Helpful tips:
– Check plants early in the morning or evening
– Inspect under leaves for eggs and remove them promptly
– Wash affected plants with a mild solution to help deter aphids
What to do:
Rain is beneficial, but too much can cause issues.
Avoid walking on waterlogged soil to prevent compaction. Improve drainage by adding soil conditioner or horticultural grit where needed.
Ensure plants have enough space between them to allow air circulation and reduce the risk of fungal diseases.
What to do:
Container gardening is perfect for patios, balconies and smaller spaces.
Plant up pots with pansies, violas, herbs or salad crops, or consider dwarf fruit trees in larger containers.
Helpful tips:
– Ensure good drainage using gravel or broken crockery
– Use high-quality compost with slow-release fertiliser
– Raise pots slightly off the ground to aid drainage
– Keep watering consistent, as containers dry out quickly
What to do:
A greenhouse becomes particularly useful in April.
Ventilate on warm days to prevent overheating and water regularly, taking care not to overdo it. Prick out seedlings into larger pots once roots begin to develop.
Crops such as tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and basil can all be grown successfully under cover at this time.
What to do:
April is a key month for encouraging wildlife.
Provide bird feeders and fresh water, and plant pollinator-friendly flowers to support bees and other insects. Leaving a small area of the garden slightly wild can also make a big difference.
Helpful tips:
– Avoid chemical pesticides where possible
– Add a log pile or insect hotel to create habitats
April is the perfect time to stock up on gardening essentials. Here are some of the most useful items to have on hand:
Plants and seeds
– Hardy annual flower seeds
– Vegetable seeds
– Herb plants such as mint, parsley and chives
– Strawberry plants
Tools and equipment
– Hand trowel and fork
– Watering can or hose with spray attachment
– Seed trays and pots
– Plant labels
Soil and fertiliser
– Multi-purpose compost
– Seed compost
– Organic fertiliser or liquid feed
– Mulch or bark chips
Protection and support
– Netting for young plants
– Bamboo canes and plant supports
– Garden fleece for frost protection
– Slug control products
Decorative touches
– Hanging baskets
– Patio containers
– Garden ornaments
– Garden seating
April is a month of opportunity in the garden. Growth is gathering pace, colour is returning and the groundwork you put in now will shape the season ahead.
Work with the changing weather, keep on top of the essentials and enjoy the process. There is something new to notice every day, from fresh shoots to the first signs of summer to come.
Clyst St. Mary
Sidmouth Road, Clyst St. Mary,
Exeter, Devon, EX5 1AE.
Telephone: 01392 876281
Email: gardening@stbridgetnurseries.co.uk
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