Gardening task for April

In April, the UK experiences a transition into spring, making it an ideal time to prepare and maintain your garden. Here’s a list of tasks that can be done in the garden during this month:

1. **Planting**:
   - Sow seeds for vegetables such as carrots, peas, and radishes directly into the soil.
   - Start planting potatoes (first earlies) and onions.
   - Plant summer-flowering bulbs like lilies and alliums.
   - Begin planting out hardy annuals.

2. **Pruning**:
   - Prune spring-flowering shrubs once they have finished blooming.
   - Trim back any dead or damaged branches from trees and shrubs.

3. **Lawn Care**:
   - Mow the lawn for the first time if the grass is growing.
   - Apply a spring lawn fertilizer to encourage growth.
   - Aerate the lawn if it’s compacted.

4. **Weeding**:
   - Start weeding to prevent weeds from going to seed.
   - Use mulch to suppress weed growth.

5. **Soil Preparation**:
   - Prepare garden beds by turning the soil and adding compost or well-rotted manure.
   - Test the soil pH and amend as necessary.

6. **Maintenance**:
   - Check and clean garden tools.
   - Repair fences and garden structures as needed.
   - Start planning and designing flower beds and vegetable plots.

7. **Pest Control**:
   - Monitor for pests and diseases, and take action if necessary.

8. **Wildlife Care**:
   - Put out bird feeders and baths as birds are nesting.
   - Consider planting nectar-rich flowers to attract pollinators.

9. **Greenhouses and Indoor Plants**:
   - Start hardening off young plants grown indoors before transplanting them outside.
   - Continue to care for indoor plants by repotting or fertilizing as needed.

10. **Container Gardening**:
    - Plant up containers with summer-flowering plants and herbs.

By completing these tasks, you'll help ensure your garden is healthy and vibrant as the growing season progresses.