April

What to do this Month – April

Chit and plant out second early potatoes in the first half of the month, maincrop potatoes in the second half.
Sow seed outdoors for beetroot, carrots, Swiss chard, summer cauliflower, kohl rabi, lettuce, leeks, radish, turnip, spring and pickling onions, peas and perpetual spinach in well-prepared soil.
Sow seed indoors of marrows, courgettes, pumpkins and squash. Also sweet peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, aubergines, celery, celeriac, salads and globe artichokes.
Sow a seedbed of brassicas to provide transplants of sprouting broccoli, cauliflowers and cabbages for planting out in June or July.

Liquid feed fruit trees in pots with a balanced feed every fortnight.
Where possible, protect plum and pear flowers from frost but allow insects access for pollination.
Remove blossom from strawberries planted since September to help with establishment.
Ventilate strawberries under cloches and mulch with straw or mats.