There is much to plant, but look out for aphids
Spring is a great demonstration of the resilience of plants, as shoots burst through the soil, leaves unfurl from bare branches, and seeds, papery bulbs and stick-like cuttings stir into life after a tough winter. The ability of established plants to survive a move is another marvel. I’ve been relieved to see my seven-year-old fantrained plum tree bear blossom and start coming into leaf over the last couple of weeks, after my husband and I moved it to a new position in February. Like any transplanted tree, shrub or perennial, it will need watering regularly throughout spring and summer to keep all of its thirsty top-growth healthy while it puts out new roots.
April is a great month for planting herbaceous perennials, evergreen shrubs and sowing hardy annuals directly into the soil. If you think that a plant has not survived the winter, then check carefully to be sure, and remove it to make space for new colour. Try buying herbaceous perennials from a local nursery, because they will be acclimatised to conditions in your area, which will help them establish quickly. You can also divide your favourite perennials to fill any gaps, by lifting them and prising sections, containing both healthy roots and shoots, apart with your hands or two forks back-to-back. This is also the best way to remove weeds entangled in established clumps. Remember that night-time frosts are still possible through this month and next, so don’t put any tender plants outdoors until early June.
Now that the soil has lost its winter chill, it’s time to begin sowing in earnest in the vegetable plot too. Salads, carrots, parsnips, beetroot,
radishes, spring onions, cabbages, kale, peas, parsley and sprouting broccoli are just some of the crops that can be sown outdoors this month. Make a point of harvesting over-wintered vegetables, such as spring cabbages and sprouting broccoli, to free-up space. Early and maincrop potatoes can also be planted in April, as well as onion sets, and any hardy vegetable plants, like broad beans, that have been raised under cover.
I’ve already spotted plenty of aphids around the garden, which is no surprise after the relatively mild winter. Keep watch for them and squash any that you see between thumb and forefinger, before they multiply. This method may not be the most appealing, but it is surprisingly effective when carried out regularly. With so many reports of insect numbers in sharp decline it seems nothing less than irresponsible to be using insecticides in our gardens. Squashing pests will also leave the beneficial insects, such as ladybirds, in good health to feast on any aphids that you miss. n
Frosts are still possible, so don’t put tender plants out until early June