HELPFUL TIPS FOR APRIL
Bag yourself some salad
Bags of salad leaves ready-to-use are some of the first things you see in the supermarket fruit and veg sections when you stroll in – they are there all year round. But now is the perfect time to sow and grow your own salad leaves such as Frilly Mix, Speedy Mix or Mesclun Mixed, you could also mix in a row of Herb Wild Rocket, in a growbag, tub or pots on your patio or balcony.
They can also be sown and grown on kitchen windowsills and window boxes and troughs are also good containers.
Steady supply
Follow the instructions on the seed packets and sow one new row every two weeks from now until August until your growbag or pots are full. This should give you a steady supply of salad leaves throughout the summer and into autumn.
Fresh growth
Each new sowing will give a new fresh growth of tender, juicy leaves, which can be snipped off from the base of the plant when needed using scissors or you can pinch off individual leaves as you need them.
Remember to keep your salad leaves well-watered, especially during dry periods.
Other crops to try
Many other herbs and salad crops can also be grown in confined spaces like this including beetroot, parsley and spring onions, so don’t be put off if you don’t have a veg bed.
But for those with larger gardens or allotments the succession sowing technique mentioned above will serve you equally well in your plots.
MONTHLY GARDENING JOBS
April - Growth & New Life in the Garden 🪴
Plant your hardy annuals & perennials
Keep on top of weeds before they establish
Feed your lawn and repair any bare patches
Sow your herbs & salad crops
Protect young shoots from slugs & snails
Harden off any plants grown indoors before planting out
May - Full Spring Mode! ☀️
Plant your bedding plants
Tie in your climbers and provide them with support
Increase watering as your temperatures rise
Remember to feed your hanging baskets and containers weekly.
Watch our for pests and treat early if identified!
June - Summer Care Begins 🏡
Water early in the morning or in the evening
Deadhead your flowers to prolong their flowering period. Simon’s Top Tip: pinch your flowers back to the base of the plant, rather than just taking the head off!
Harvest early vegetables and salads
Trim back any hedges and fast-growing shrubs
Continue to regularly feed your hanging baskets & containers
Watch out for any signs of plant stress or disease!
July - maintenance and enjoying the garden ☺️
Keep your lawn watered during dry periods
Deadhead your roses and summer flowers
Harvest your fruit and vegetables regularly
Enjoy your garden - and make a note of what’s growing well this year!
August - Summer Gardening 👩🌾
Continue watering and feeding plants
Harvest your beans, courgettes, tomatoes & soft fruit
Take cuttings from shrubs & perennials
Start planning your autumn planting
Trim back your lavender
Start thinking about your spring flowering bulbs - stock up early to make sure you get your favourites!
September - Autumn Preparation
Plant your spring-flowering bulbs like Daffodils, Tulips, Allium…
Divide and move your perennials
Sow your autumn seeds & hardy veg
Collect seeds from your favourite plants
Begin tidying your borders as plants finish flowering
Aerate your lawns and repair any worn areas
OCTOBER - TIDY & PROTECT 🏡
Plant trees, shrubs & hedging for autumn colour.
Lift tender plants and store away from the frost
Cut back perennials
Protect delicate plants from early frosts
November - getting ready for winter 🥶
Continue to plant bare-root trees & shrubs
Move pots to sheltered positions
Check on your stored bulbs & tubers
DECEMBER - REST & REFLECT ✨
Keep plants protected from frost & wind
Feed the birds & garden wildlife
Enjoy winter interest plants and evergreens
Check your plant ties & supports
Review your gardening year, and plan changes for next season
CARE GUIDES
CARING FOR ROSES 🌹
Position: Full sun
Watering: Regular watering, especially in dry spells
Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil
Feeding: Feed in spring and again in summer
Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring
Simon’s Top Tip: Mulch around the base in spring to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
CARING FOR HYDRANGEA 🌸
Position: Sun or partial shade
Watering: Keep well-watered, especially in warm weather
Soil: Moist, well-drained soil
Feeding: Feed in spring and summer
Pruning: Light pruning in spring (varies by type)
CARING FOR LAVENDER 🪻
Position: Full sun
Watering: Water well until established, then sparingly
Soil: Free-draining soil
Feeding: Little feeding needed
Pruning: Trim after flowering and lightly in spring
Top tip: Avoid heavy, wet soils - lavender dislikes winter damp.
CARING FOR ACER 🌿
Position: Partial shade, sheltered position
Watering: Keep soil consistently moist
Soil: Well-drained, slightly acidic soil
Feeding: Light feed in spring
Pruning: Minimal pruning, best done in winter
Top tip: Protect from strong winds and harsh midday sun.
CARING FOR STRAWBERRY 🍓
Position: Full sun
Watering: Water regularly, especially when fruiting
Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil
Feeding: Feed when flowers appear
Harvesting: Pick regularly to encourage more fruit
Top tip: Grow in pots, hanging baskets, or raised beds to deter pests.
CARING FOR BEDDING PLANTS 🌼
Position: Sun or partial shade (be sure to check specific variety)
Watering: Water regularly, especially in warm weather
Soil: Good-quality compost
Feeding: Weekly liquid feed
Maintenance: Deadhead regularly
Top tip: Deadheading keeps plants flowering for longer.