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Summer is Nearly Here!
Summer is just around the corner and if predictions are to be believed, we could be in for a scorcher!
But we still have some preparation to do before we really can reap the rewards in our gardens this summer.
April is always a busy month in the garden as this is the perfect time to sow, plant and prune. Weeds will also start to make an appearance and frost is not unknown in April so keep plenty of protective fleece handy!
Shrubs will benefit from a pruning in April – simply check for signs of damage after the winter and prune back hard now for rejuvenated growth and to neaten the shape of the shrub. This is a great time of year to add instant colour to your garden by planting up spring flowering pots. To make sure they look fantastic right until the end of May, keep dead heading these plants to encourage new flowers. This also applies to daffodils and other spring bulbs, and make sure that the compost is moist.
For beautiful summer borders, preparing the soil is vital now in readiness for planting your bedding next month. Fork compost into the soil in between existing shrubs and spread mulch around established shrubs and along the bottom of hedges to keep the soil moist and smother weeds.
The Horticultural Trade Association’s Plant of the Month is the beautiful Ceanothus. The bright blue flowers are a wonderful addition to your garden at this time of year - not only for vibrant colour, but they are also a real attraction for British butterflies!
Sow more vegetables in the greenhouse now including aubergines, celeriac, peppers and celery. When the seedlings have grown large enough, you can prick them out into small pots or space out in seed trays. Keep them watered and feed weekly.
In early April, there are plenty of vegetables that can be sown outdoors or under cloches – choose from mange tout, broad beans, beetroot, lettuce, onions and peas to name but a few. You can find all you need to ‘grow your own’ fruit and vegetables at Grosvenor Garden Centre, with a vast new range of products to assist you whether you are growing your own for the first time or are more experienced. Don’t forget to ask one of our horticulturalists about our established allotment at the garden centre on your next visit, and they will be pleased to answer any questions.
Next month: Keep on top of weeds and pests, plant out summer bedding and keep an eye out for frost!
