in THE GARDEN... |
With longer days, warmer temperatures and everything bursting into life, April is a month of rapid growth, so stay on top of watering, feeding and weeding for the best results. April is also the perfect month for sowing, planting and preparing for a spectacular summer. Here are five key jobs to focus on this month. Enjoy the transformation as your garden fills with life! 1. Sow Half-Hardy Annuals Now is the time to sow summer-flowering plants such as cosmos, zinnias and marigolds. These vibrant blooms add colour and attract pollinators to your garden. Start them off indoors or in a greenhouse, then harden them off before planting out in May. If sowing directly outdoors, choose a warm,
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sheltered spot and keep the soil moist until seeds germinate.
2. Plant Summer-Flowering Bulbs Dahlias, gladioli and lilies can be planted now for a stunning summer display. Choose well-draining soil and plant bulbs at the correct depth, typically three times the height of the bulb. Start dahlias in pots undercover and plant them out in late May once the risk of frost has passed.
3. Feed and Mulch Roses April is the time to give roses a boost with a specialised rose fertiliser. Apply a thick layer of organic mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Remember, keep mulch clear of the plant stems to prevent rot.
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4. Start Hardening Off Young Plants Seedlings and young plants raised indoors need to be acclimatised to outdoor conditions before being planted out. Start by placing them outside in a sheltered spot during the day and bringing them in at night. Gradually increase their time outdoors over 10 – 14 days to prevent transplant shock.
5. Control Slugs and Snails With fresh new growth everywhere, slugs and snails are out in full force. Protect vulnerable plants by using organic deterrents such as beer traps, crushed eggshells or wildlife-friendly slug pellets. Do encourage natural predators like frogs and hedgehogs by creating wildlife-friendly areas in your garden.
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