As the garden bursts into life, Adam Kirtland gives his guide on the jobs to do at this busy time of the year

At long last April has arrived – and with it comes the realisation that spring is well and truly here! The days are noticeably longer, the sun has a little more warmth to it, and the garden is responding in kind. Everywhere you look, there’s fresh growth, from the first unfurling leaves to the vibrant splashes of colour provided by tulips, primroses and bluebells. It’s a month of transformation, as the slow emergence from winter suddenly gives way to a burst of activity.
April is a busy time in the garden, but it’s also one of the most rewarding. There’s plenty to be getting on with, from planting and sowing to pruning and feeding. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, now is the time to roll up your sleeves and make the most of the season ahead. So, let’s dig in and get started!

Prune, Feed and Shape

Now is the perfect time to give shrubs, perennials and climbers a little TLC. Roses will benefit from a final prune to shape them before they burst into full growth. Cut back any dead or damaged stems and shape your plants to encourage strong, healthy new shoots. If you haven’t already done so, feed your roses with a good-quality fertiliser to give them a boost for the season ahead. A sprinkle of slow-release fertiliser around their base will set them up nicely for strong, healthy blooms in the months to come.
April is also a great time to tidy up any early-flowering shrubs that have finished their display. Forsythia, for example, can be pruned immediately after flowering to maintain its shape and encourage new growth for next year. Hardy fuchsias and penstemons, which may have held onto their woody stems over winter, can now be cut back to encourage fresh, bushy growth. A little effort now will keep your garden looking its best well into summer.

Get Sowing!

April is prime time for sowing hardy annuals, vegetables and salad crops. If you’re growing flowers, now is the moment to sow the likes of cosmos, cornflowers and marigolds directly into the soil. These easy-to-grow beauties will bring vibrant colour to your garden in just a few months. Make sure to prepare the ground by raking it to a fine tilth before scattering seeds and lightly covering them with soil. Keep the area moist, and in no time, you’ll see seedlings popping up.
For the kitchen garden, there’s still time to sow broad beans, beetroot, carrots and lettuce outdoors. If your soil is on the heavy side, consider starting seeds in trays or modules and planting them out once they’ve developed strong roots. Courgettes, pumpkins and runner beans can also be started indoors now, ready to plant out once the risk of frost has passed. Keep an eye on the weather – April can be unpredictable, and young seedlings may still need some protection from chilly nights.

Lift, Divide and Conquer!

If you have perennials that are getting a little overcrowded, now is the time to lift and divide them. Plants like hostas, asters and daylilies will thrive when split and replanted, giving you even more to enjoy across your borders. Gently dig up the clump, taking care not to damage the roots, then use a sharp knife or spade to divide it into smaller sections. Replant immediately, ensuring each section has a good root system, and water them in well to help them settle.

This is also a great moment to check in on your bulbs. If daffodils and tulips have finished flowering, deadhead them to prevent energy going into seed production rather than strengthening the bulbs for next year. Resist the urge to cut back the foliage too soon – letting it die back naturally will ensure the bulbs store plenty of energy for next spring’s display. With a little care and attention now, your garden will continue to flourish well into the months ahead.

So, with April in full swing, it’s time to embrace the season and enjoy every moment in the garden. There’s plenty to do, but the rewards are more than worth it!