April gardening jobs

April marks a real turning point in the gardening calendar. Spring is officially here, and signs of life are everywhere - daffodils are blooming, trees are beginning to blossom, and the longer days make it easier to spend time outside. While April showers are likely, make the most of sunny spells to get cracking on key gardening tasks.

From pruning and planting to feeding and frost protection, here's everything you should be doing in the garden this April.

Table of Contents

Watch for Frost - Protect Fruit Trees

April can be deceptive. Just as plants start to bud and blossom, unexpected frosts can sneak in and cause serious damage - especially to fruit trees. Newly forming buds and blossoms are particularly vulnerable.

Fruit tree tips for April:

  • Use horticultural fleece to cover smaller fruit trees overnight
    • .
  • Uncover during the day to allow light and air circulation.
  • Continue frost protection for up to two weeks after flowering has finished.

This extra care now will help ensure a successful fruiting season later.<

Feed Citrus Trees

If you grow citrus plants, April is when their feeding routine changes with the seasons.

Switch to a high-nitrogen citrus summer feed now through to late October. This promotes leafy growth and supports healthy fruit development. Look for citrus-specific fertilisers at garden centres, and follow the recommended feeding schedule for best results.

Cut Back Dead Growth on Perennials

If you left the old growth on perennials like ornamental grasses or hardy border plants for winter interest and frost protection, now's the time to tidy them up.

  • Trim away dead stems before new shoots are too far along.
  • Use clean, sharp shears to avoid damaging fresh growth.
  • Removing spent material gives new shoots room and light to thrive.

Plant Summer-Flowering Bulbs and Sow Sweet Peas

If you missed the March window, don't worry - it's still fine to plant summer-flowering bulbs in April. These include:

  • Dahlias
  • Lilies
  • Gladioli
  • Begonias

Choose a mix of varieties for staggered bloom times, and plant in well-drained soil with plenty of sunshine. Planning now will reward you with months of colour later.

Sweet peas can also be sown this month for a wonderful burst of scent and charm:

  • Soak seeds overnight before sowing.
  • Plant them 1 inch deep in moist soil.
  • Choose a sunny spot and provide something for them to climb - like a trellis or cane wigwam.

Dead-Head Early Daffodils

If your daffodils have already bloomed and are starting to fade, now's the time to dead-head them.

  • Snip off the flower heads once they start to wilt.
  • Leave the foliage intact so the plant can photosynthesise and store energy in the bulb for next spring.

Use sharp scissors or pruners and take care not to damage the green stems or leaves.

Water Newly Planted Trees

Newly planted trees need special attention in their early days. Regular watering is essential - especially if April turns out drier than expected.

  • Water thoroughly after planting.
  • Continue to water regularly until roots are well established.
  • Pay extra attention during dry, windy weather, which can dry out soil quickly.

A well-hydrated tree is more likely to survive and flourish through its first summer.

Plan Ahead for May

While April is full of hands-on tasks, it's also a great time to look ahead. Use those inevitable rainy days to make your gardening plan for May:

  • What seeds will you sow?
  • Are there any plants or tools you still need to buy?
  • Which beds or borders need refreshing?

Having a plan means you'll be ready to hit the ground running as the growing season shifts into full gear.