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April is here and Spring does appear to have come early. March was a mix of lion and lamb but at least we didn’t get a return of winter. So unless April brings a very unexpected surprise we can really take to the garden this month and get the year going in earnest.
If you got going on lawn repairs last month you will be off to a flying start but if not April is also a good time to get this job done so that you have an even lawn again in time for the summer. If you have sown seed avoid those areas when applying a weed and feed, if not do the weed and feed first then wait a week or so before sowing seed. Remember that a lawn requires a high nitrogen feed in the Spring to get it greened up and growing. Use a garden fork to aerate the soil by digging the tynes 6” into the ground and slightly lifting the soil to break it up under the surface. This will allow air into the soil and provide drainage in the event of April showers. The soil will quickly settle back into place due to normal foot traffic. Get into a cutting routine but avoid the new growth from seed. Let this grow and get established before cutting it for the first time in June. When it is growing vigorously after this, apply a weed and feed to get rid of any weeds that have become established amongst the new grass.
Lift and divide perennial plants to improve vigour and increase numbers, particularly primroses as soon as they finish flowering. Divide hostas before they come into leaf. Pinch out the tops of sweet peas and fuchsia to encourage the plants to get bushy. Any perennials showing good basal growth like penstemons, phlox and chrysanthemums can be pruned back to the base and basal cuttings can be taken if required. Deadhead daffodils and tulips and let them die back naturally. Also prune forsythia as soon as the flowers fade and ensure that there is no wood more than 3 years old left in the plant as this will not produce much flower next year
Finish preparing the vegetable plot and fill up the bean trench with any left over compost before raking the soil level. Mark the corners of the trench with canes so that you will know where to erect the frame in May. Continue sowing seed either in trays or individual pots but do not over water, just keep the compost moist to avoid damping off or larger seeds rotting before they have chance to germinate. Once germination has taken place remove tops to allow air to get to the seedlings. Carrots, parsnips and salad crops can go straight into the soil. If you are lucky enough to have an asparagus patch, harvest the spears while they are still short (12” - 18”) and tender as the stems harden up quickly. Also aim to get your maincrop potatoes in the ground by the end of the month and they should be ready in September. I will stick with the allotment favourite, Cara, because it is such a good all round spud, but there are so many varieties available that we are simply spoilt for choice.
Apply a slow release fertiliser to your fruit trees, shrubs and roses and water in. Check that containers are not getting dry and keep an eye out for the unexpected hot day that can cause havoc with seedlings. It is hard work this time of year and May is another busy month but come June you can start to enjoy the garden with outdoor living and a cold beer in the evening. But I don’t think I am going to wait that long.
We are always looking for new members and try to encourage a fun attitude towards friendly competition. So if you want to grow your own fruit, vegetables and flowers or even enter any of the 3 shows we hold each year, then please get in touch, we would be happy to hear from you.
If you are interested in becoming a new member, (all ages are welcome), please contact Rosey on: 01634 377812 (evenings) or Email: rosemary@ringwoodaccounting.co.uk
Sean Barry - Upchurch Horticultural Society
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