Jobs in the Garden: April 2025

April is a month of rapid growth in the garden, with plants bursting into life as the days grow longer and temperatures rise. It’s the perfect time to get ahead with key gardening tasks to ensure a flourishing display in the months ahead. Here’s what needs to be done in April:

1. Lawn Care

• Increase mowing frequency as the grass begins to grow more quickly, gradually lowering the cutting height.

• Apply a spring lawn feed to promote healthy growth and tackle any moss or weeds.

• Reseed bare patches and keep newly sown areas well-watered.

2. Pruning and Deadheading

• Prune early-flowering shrubs such as forsythia once they’ve finished blooming.

• Trim back lavender and other perennials to maintain shape and encourage bushy growth.

• Deadhead spring bulbs like daffodils and tulips but leave the foliage to die back naturally.

3. Planting and Sowing

• Plant summer-flowering bulbs such as lilies, gladioli, and dahlias.

• Direct sow hardy annuals like poppies, sunflowers, and cosmos in flower beds.

• In the vegetable garden, sow beetroot, carrots, lettuce, spinach, and peas outdoors.

• Start tender crops such as tomatoes, courgettes, and beans indoors or in a greenhouse.

4. Greenhouse and Indoor Plants

• Open greenhouse vents on warmer days to improve air circulation.

• Pot on seedlings and young plants as they grow stronger.

• Keep an eye out for pests such as aphids, whiteflies, and slugs.

5. Supporting Wildlife

• Provide fresh water sources for birds and insects.

• Continue feeding birds as natural food sources are still limited.

• Allow some areas of the garden to grow wild to support pollinators and beneficial insects.

6. Weeding and Mulching

• Stay on top of weeds before they take hold by regularly hoeing or hand-weeding.

• Apply mulch around plants to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

• Remove any invasive plants before they spread.

7. General Maintenance

• Install supports for climbing plants such as sweet peas and clematis.

• Check fences, trellises, and garden structures for damage and make necessary repairs.

• Clean and sharpen garden tools to keep them in top condition.

April is an exciting month in the garden, with new growth appearing everywhere. By keeping up with these essential tasks, you'll set the stage for a thriving and beautiful outdoor space throughout the spring and summer. Happy gardening!