HOME + GARDEN
in THE GARDEN …
APRIL
Sowing Seeds
If the weeds are beginning to grow , then you can start to sow ! April is the month to really begin sowing seeds outdoors in earnest . It is a cost-effective and fun way to grow vegetables and a wide range of flowers , too . Prepare the soil by removing any weeds and large stones . If the soil is compacted use a garden fork to dig it over and then a rake to make the soil fine and workable . Check the seed packet for sowing instructions ; some seeds can be mixed with sand and sown straight across the top , others will need a shallow drill to be made using a hoe or bamboo cane . The back of a rake can be used to gently firm the earth after covering the seeds with fine soil . Then , just add water ! Keep an eye on their progress and remove any competing weeds while staying on the lookout for garden pests such as slugs and snails .
Grow Your Own
April is one of the best months for planting fruit and vegetables . You can chit and plant out early potatoes like Charlotte in the first half of the month and sow your main crop varieties such as King Edward in the second half . It is also the ideal time to plant fruit bushes such as blackcurrants , gooseberries and raspberries , as well as fruit trees such as apples , pears and cherries . Fruit trees , especially those being kept in pots , will benefit from a good feed at this time of the year . Start with a balanced feed such as Growmore and apply a thick layer of mulch if you can as well . This not only prevents weeds around the base of the tree , but also locks in moisture . Once the fruit has set , a high potassium feed is a good idea , especially if you feel that the fruit yields have been dropping in recent years . Choose sulphate of potash or pelleted chicken manure for the best results !
Protecting From Frost
As the climate continues to change it can be worth spending the time to protect your fruit trees and bushes from late frosts . Buds and flowers brought on quickly by milder temperatures earlier in the year are extremely vulnerable to frost damage in April . This is especially true for apple and pear trees . Avoiding frost pockets when planting is a great help , sheltered southfacing walls are ideal , particularly if planting more tender varieties such as peaches and apricots . When this isn ’ t possible , several layers of horticultural fleece can be used to
cover fruit bushes and fruit trees , make sure to remove it during the daytime though to allow vital pollinators to do their work .
New Lawns
From around the middle of April you can begin sowing a new lawn and repairing any dead patches that may have appeared over the autumn and winter months . Check the temperature first , a run of warmer days will be needed to allow for germination to take place . If the soil is cold and damp wait a little longer before sowing lawn seed . Make sure the ground has been cleared of any stones and weeds and use a rake to disturb the surface before gently firming down . New lawns need a settling in period before they are mowed or walked on heavily so try and stay off until the grass is at least 3 inches tall and always start mowing with the blades on the highest setting .
millbrookgc . co . uk
152 • www . insidekent . co . uk