April - Gardening Calendar - Sturmer Nurseries

Feb

GARDENING CALENDAR – APRIL

This is the time of year when plant availability really starts to take off and by the end of the month the nursery should be full. Patio/basket plants make their debut so you can get started on your hanging baskets and tubs.

Planting

Weather permitting, plant summer bulbs such as gladioli in free-draining soil.

In mild areas plant dahlia tubers outside.

Plant hanging baskets inside the greenhouse to give the plants chance to get established before you hang them out for a big summer display. Do not leave outside until all danger of frost has passed, usually the end of May or beginning of June.

Plant potatoes in deep drills 30cm apart with 60cm between rows.

Plant runner beans in pots or under glass.

Things to do in the garden

Now’s a good time to buy perennials – there’s a huge selection of one-litre plants available.

Feed trees and shrubs.

Apply a general fertiliser or sulphate or potash around strawberries, fruit bushes and trees.

Begin spraying fruit if you’re worried about pests and diseases.

Start treating your lawn with a ‘feed and weed’ product like EverGreen® Complete 4 in 1. You can use this through to September.

Spot treat moss or perennial weeds.

Hoe borders weekly to prevent weeds taking a hold.

Watch the weather forecasts and get ready to protect fruit blossom where necessary.

Start to harden off bedding plants raised under glass.

Slugs and snails will be on the march now, so watch out – lots of products are available including some like Sluggo® Slug & Snail Killer that are safe to the environment.

Beware of mice attacking beans and sweet peas in the greenhouse.