TINA WOODHAMS GARDENING NOTES FOR APRIL
April showers and strong sunshine are typical elements of this month. As the air and ground start to warm we feel inspired to get out into the garden again although beware that so do other unwanted pests – slugs, aphids and fungal diseases!
Start to spray plants such as roses to limit mildew and rust, and remove any dead leaves from plants to prevent rotting. Aphids multiply rapidly during mild spells of weather and can be removed simply by rubbing off by hand. Protect the new young shoots of hosta, dahlia, lupin and delphinium from slugs early to minimise damage.
Also, don’t get caught out by late frosts! Keep tender plants indoors overnight for a few more weeks, and remember to ensure that outdoor planters are watered as necessary.
Prune Camellia shrubs – once the flowers have faded and only on plants that are at least three years old - and evergreen shrubs such as euonymus, fatsia and hebe. Deadhead the flower heads on hydrangeas, cutting back to the first pair of buds below the flower head.
Prune Cornus (dogwood) to promote new growth and encourage brightly-coloured stems for next winter, these can be cut back almost to the ground.
In the flower border, prune penstemon by cutting just above the new shoots and remove old, dead fern fronds to allow the new ones to unfurl.
Place supports around perennial plants before they grow too large.
The milder temperatures will give the weeds a boost so start hoeing them off to help prevent seeding and spreading.
Sow vegetable seeds such as runner and French beans, cucumber, courgette, squash and pumpkins, as well as herb varieties. Flowering companion plants for the vegetable garden – marigold and borage- together with hardy annuals can be sown now.
Transplant your seedlings into larger pots. Tomato plants can be potted on into growing bags or large pots if you prefer. Plant second-early and maincrop potatoes directly into the ground or into suitable containers.
I always refer to this time of year as ‘Silly Season’…..with lots of preparation and everything beginning to grow like crazy it’s a great time to make a head start –
Happy Gardening