Gardening Jobs for April

• Direct sow hardy annuals into gaps: Calendula ‘Pygmy Buff’, Nigella “Persian Jewells”, Cornflowers, Cosmos “Purity” and Poppy “Shirley Double” keep soil fine and weed-free).
• Thin direct-sown seedlings early so plants don’t fight for light and airflow.
• Prick out and pot on seedlings (handle by leaves): Tithonia “Red Torch”, Amaranth “Red Army”, Sunflower “Teddy Bear”.
• Harden off indoor-raised plants on mild days; bring in at night if frosts threaten.
• Plant out sweet peas and tie in early; keep pinching tips for bushier plants.
• Sow Sunflowers in pots under cover for stronger starts; plant out after frosts.

• Direct sow: carrots, beetroot, spinach, chard, salad leaves, spring onions (small batches every 2–3 weeks).
• Sow quick gap-fillers: radishes (repeat little and often).
• Pot on tomatoes steadily (one pot size at a time) and start tying in as they climb.
• If you’re growing under cover: plant up tomatoes/cucumbers once nights are reliably warmer.
• Watch for slugs on fresh seedlings; protect with barriers and regular evening checks.

Garden herbs

• Direct sow in pots or sunny beds: parsley, coriander, dill, chives, chamomile.
• Start basil under cover (windowsill/greenhouse) — it hates cold nights.
• Divide and replant hardy clumps: chives, lemon balm, mint (mint in a pot).

Greenhouse and undercover jobs

• Prick out seedlings as soon as they have true leaves.
• Set up supports early for tomatoes and cucumbers (less root disturbance later).
• Vent on warm days to prevent damping off; water in the morning, not late evening.
• Sow tender crops in pots: courgettes, pumpkins/squash, cucumbers, beans for planting out late May/June.

• Mulch borders (compost or well-rotted manure) to lock in moisture and suppress weeds.
• Stay on top of weeds now — a quick hoe weekly saves hours later.
• Protect new shoots (hostas, delphiniums, lupins) from slugs and snails.
• Check roses for aphids; wipe off early before colonies build.
• Keep water out for birds and pollinators, especially during dry spells.

1. Direct sow hardy flowers + salad leaves
2. Harden off seedlings (don’t rush tender plants outside)
3. Mulch + weed once (biggest time-saver all season)
4. Slug patrol (evenings after mild, damp days)