And with the days getting longer and the weather getting warmer, you can bet there's even more opportunity to get out into the garden.
This week, our head horticulturist, Cory, has provided a list of essential gardening jobs for you to complete this April. Follow Cory's simple and easy steps, and you'll be sure to keep your garden in top shape this Spring.
So let's crack on, eh?
#1
Sow wildflower seeds directly in the garden now for a good show in June/July and beyond.
#2
Keep deadheading daffodils as the flowers fade to stop them from setting seed and using valuable energy.
Do not cut back the leaves, though; let these die back naturally so all the energy goes back into the bulb for next year.
To stop them setting seed and using energy, deadhead daffodils as the flowers fade.
#3
Sweet pea seeds can be sown directly now, in pots or in the garden.
Place one seed at the base of a support so you can tie them in as they grow.
#4
Prune lacecap and mophead hydrangeas now.
Make sure to remove the old flower heads, back to a pair of strong buds about a third of the way down the stems.
#5
Carefully hoe around established shrubs and trees to remove any early weeds that are popping up.
Regular hoeing from the start of the season will keep weeds from becoming established.
Remove early weeds that are popping up by hoeing around established shrubs and trees.
#6
Plant out ‘chitted’ first and second early potatoes now.
Bury them fairly deep in a narrow trench, and cover the shoots with soil as they appear throughout the Spring.
#7
Exotic bulbs and tubers such as canna and dahlia can be planted in pots now and placed in a cool greenhouse or against a warm house wall until the weather warms up fully.
Remember to protect any shoots from late frost.
#8
Start feeding established plants in pots weekly, using a liquid seaweed feed for trees and shrubs.
Use an ericaceous feed for plants such as rhododendrons and azaleas.
Use a liquid seaweed feed weekly on established shrubs and trees.
#9
Remember to water well any new plants, especially larger trees.
Regular deep watering will enable faster establishment of strong root systems, leading to much stronger plants in the long term.
#10
Prepare pots and baskets for Summer planting.
Empty out old compost, etc., from Winter baskets and pots, checking for any pests, amongst other things.
Pots can be disinfected ahead of filling them with fresh compost, ready for Summer bedding, when the weather starts to warm up.
Clean out pots and baskets (making sure to disinfect) in preparation for Summer planting.
And that's all for now folks! Should you need any more gardening tips, then pop into Langton Greenhouse and Garden Centre. You'll receive the best advice from our top horticultural professionals.
