The weather can still surprise us in April — lovely one day, bitter the next. But there is plenty to do in the garden this week, and the risk of really severe frost is now low in most of the UK.
Week Spring Jobs:: Seeds to Sow This Week
- Runner beans and French beans — direct sow in pots under cover, or in mild areas direct into prepared beds
- Courgettes and pumpkins — if started indoors, they can go into a coldframe or greenhouse now
- Sweetcorn — in deep modules or toilet roll inners. Swift is a reliable UK variety.
- Coriander and dill — direct sow in pots or beds. Both bolt quickly in heat — keep them cool and moist.
Jobs to Do This Week
- Plant out early sowings of peas and broad beans — they should be sturdy enough now
- Earth up potatoes if shoots are 15cm — cover shoots with soil, leaving just the top leaves visible
- Feed container plants with liquid seaweed or balanced fertiliser — they are hungry now
- Tie in new growth on fruit trees — delete downward-pointing shoots, tie in horizontals on espaliers and cordons
- Divide established clumps of chives and mint — pot up the divisions for a constant indoor supply
What to Watch For
Cold nights can still strike. If you have planted out tender plants, keep fleece handy. A cloche or cold frame is ideal for hardening off.
What You Need This Week
- Courgette plants — young plants ready to plant out
- Bean seeds — runner beans and French beans
- Liquid feed — high nitrogen for leafy growth
- Garden ties — soft ties for training plants
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to do this?
The ideal time depends on your climate and the specific plants involved. Generally, early morning or late afternoon are best to avoid the heat of the day.
How often should I check on this?
Check your garden at least once a week during the growing season to catch any issues early and keep on top of tasks.
Can I do this in a container instead?
Many garden tasks can be adapted for containers. Use a good quality potting compost and ensure containers have adequate drainage holes.
What if I don’t have the right tools?
Start with the basics — a trowel, fork, gloves, and watering can will get you a long way. Add tools as you need them.
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