Gardening in April: Tasks to Undertake and Vegetables to Sow in the UK

April is a vibrant month in the UK garden, where spring is truly in full bloom. The days are longer, temperatures are rising, and your garden is beginning to come to life. There are plenty of essential tasks to complete and exciting vegetables to sow, ensuring your garden flourishes as the growing season continues. Here’s your guide to what garden tasks you can undertake and what vegetables you can sow in April.

April Garden Tasks in the UK:

1. Soil Preparation and Planting

April is the ideal time to get your garden beds ready for planting. The soil has started warming up, and it’s the perfect moment to prepare it for the vegetables and flowers that will grow throughout the season.

• Digging and Turning the Soil: If you haven’t already, it’s time to dig over your garden beds and turn the soil. This helps aerate the ground and allows plant roots to penetrate deeper. Adding organic compost or well-rotted manure will boost soil fertility.

• Improving Soil Drainage: If your garden has clay soil or poor drainage, consider adding grit or sand to improve structure. This will help prevent waterlogging during the wetter months.

• Creating Raised Beds: If you want better control over the quality of your soil, raised beds are a fantastic solution. Consider building and filling raised beds with nutrient-rich soil for vegetables and herbs.

2. Pruning and Maintaining Plants

While the weather starts to warm up, there are a few important tasks to help plants thrive.

• Pruning Fruit Trees and Shrubs: April is the ideal time to prune fruit trees, including apples, pears, and stone fruits like cherries and plums. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches to promote healthy growth.

• Cut Back Perennials: Trim back any remaining dead growth from perennials, which will help encourage fresh new shoots. Leave a few stems if you have plants like lavender or ornamental grasses, as they may need some structure.

• Weeding: Keep on top of weeds as they begin to grow rapidly in the spring. Pull them out by hand or use a hoe to keep your garden beds clear.

• Support Plants: Install supports like trellises or canes for climbing plants, such as peas, beans, and sweet peas. This will help them grow upwards and reduce the risk of being damaged by wind.

3. General Maintenance

Spring is the time to ensure your garden tools and equipment are in tip-top shape.

• Clean and Sharpen Tools: Before starting your planting projects, clean and sharpen your tools like spades, hoes, and pruners. This will make your tasks much easier and more efficient.

• Check Greenhouses and Cold Frames: If you have a greenhouse or cold frame, now’s the time to clean it out. Make sure the glass or plastic is clean to maximize sunlight and check for any damage from winter.

Vegetables to Sow in April:

April is a great month for sowing seeds, as the soil begins to warm up enough for many vegetables to thrive. Whether you’re working in the ground or in pots, there’s plenty to get started with.

1. Carrots (April onwards)

Carrots can be directly sown into the soil from April. They prefer loose, well-drained soil that’s free from stones to allow their roots to grow straight and deep. For a continuous harvest, consider sowing them every few weeks.

2. Peas (April)

April is a great time to sow peas directly in the ground. Early varieties of peas, like "First Early" and "Second Early," can be sown now for a summer harvest. Make sure to plant them in a sunny, well-drained spot and provide support for them to climb as they grow.

3. Lettuce (April onwards)

Lettuce is another quick-growing vegetable that can be sown directly into the soil in April. Consider sowing different varieties of lettuce, such as loose-leaf, butterhead, or cos, to enjoy a range of textures and flavors. Lettuce loves the cooler temperatures of early spring and will grow well in partial shade if necessary.

4. Spinach (April)

Spinach thrives in cooler weather, making April the perfect time to sow it. Sow seeds directly in the soil, and make sure to water regularly, as spinach prefers moist conditions. Spinach is a fast-growing crop and can be harvested within a few weeks.

5. Radishes (April)

Radishes are one of the quickest-growing vegetables and can be directly sown in April. They’re perfect for sowing alongside slower-growing crops, as they’ll be ready to harvest in as little as 4-6 weeks. Radishes like cooler temperatures, so they’ll do well in the early spring months.

6. Onions (April)

April is the time to plant onion sets (small bulbs) directly into the ground. Onions prefer well-drained, fertile soil. You can plant them in rows, and they will grow over the spring and summer, ready for harvesting later in the season.

7. Potatoes (Early to Mid-April)

April is a great time to plant seed potatoes in the ground. Ensure that the soil is well-drained and that the danger of frost has passed. Plant the potatoes in trenches and cover them with soil as they grow, known as "earthing up," to encourage healthy tuber growth.

8. Kale (April onwards)

Kale is a hardy green that can be sown outdoors from April onwards. Direct sow seeds in well-prepared soil or sow indoors for later transplanting. Kale loves the cooler weather and can be harvested throughout the summer and into the winter.

9. Cabbages (April onwards)

Sow cabbage seeds indoors in early April to transplant outdoors in late May. Alternatively, sow seeds directly in the ground for a later harvest. Choose varieties like spring cabbage for early crops or summer cabbage for harvesting later in the season.

10. Beetroot (April)

Beetroot is another root vegetable that can be sown directly into the soil in April. Like carrots, beetroot prefers well-drained, stone-free soil to allow for good root development. Sow seeds in rows and thin them out as they grow.

Conclusion

April is a busy yet exciting time in the garden. It’s all about preparing for the growing season, planting early vegetables, and ensuring your garden is ready for the warmer months ahead. By focusing on tasks like soil preparation, weeding, and pruning, you’ll create an ideal environment for your crops to thrive. At the same time, sowing a variety of vegetables like peas, lettuce, and carrots ensures that you’ll enjoy a productive harvest as the season progresses. Happy gardening! 🌱