What Can We Plant In The Vegetable Garden In April?

Vegetables to Start Growing in the UK in April

Broad Beans:

• Broad beans can still be sown directly outdoors in April. They are hardy and will continue to develop strong plants for an early summer harvest. Ensure they are planted in well-drained soil and provide support as they grow.

Peas:

• Peas, including maincrop varieties like ‘Alderman’ and ‘Hurst Green Shaft,’ can be sown directly into the ground in April. They prefer cooler weather, making this an ideal time for planting to ensure a summer harvest.

Carrots:

• Maincrop and early varieties of carrots can be sown in April. Varieties like ‘Chantenay’ and ‘Autumn King’ thrive in well-prepared, sandy soil. Sow directly into the ground and thin the seedlings as they grow.

Beetroot:

• Beetroot can be sown directly into the ground in April. Varieties such as ‘Boltardy’ and ‘Detroit 2’ are well-suited for early sowing. These versatile root vegetables can be harvested young or left to mature.

Spinach:

• Spinach can be sown directly into the ground in April. Varieties like ‘Medania’ and ‘Giant Winter’ do well in cooler temperatures and will provide fresh, tender leaves for salads and cooking.

Lettuce:

• Lettuce, especially loose-leaf and butterhead varieties like ‘Salad Bowl’ and ‘Tom Thumb,’ can be sown directly into the ground in April. These hardy varieties will provide a continuous supply of fresh salad greens.

Radishes:

• Radishes can be sown directly into the ground in April. Fast-growing varieties like ‘Cherry Belle’ and ‘Sparkler’ can be ready to harvest in just a few weeks, adding a crunchy, spicy bite to salads.

Parsnips:

• Parsnip seeds can be sown directly into the ground in April. Varieties like ‘Gladiator’ and ‘Hollow Crown’ need a long growing season and will benefit from early sowing to develop their sweet, nutty flavor after the first frost.

Leeks:

• Leeks can be sown in seed beds or modules in April. Varieties like ‘Musselburgh’ and ‘Bandit’ are well-suited for early sowing and will be ready for transplanting into their final positions in late spring.

Cabbage:

• Summer and autumn cabbage varieties like ‘Hispi’ and ‘January King’ can be sown directly outdoors or started indoors in April. These hardy cabbages will thrive when transplanted outdoors later.

Cauliflower:

• Cauliflower can be sown directly outdoors or started indoors in April. Varieties like ‘All Year Round’ and ‘Snowball’ need a long growing season and cool temperatures to develop heads.

Brussels Sprouts:

• Brussels sprouts can be sown in seed trays or modules in April. Early sowing ensures they have enough time to mature for a late autumn to winter harvest. Varieties like ‘Brigitte’ and ‘Red Bull’ are good choices.

Onions:

• Onion sets and seeds can still be planted in April. Varieties like ‘Red Baron’ and ‘Sturon’ should be placed in well-drained soil and kept free from weeds to establish strong growth.

Turnips:

• Turnips can be sown directly into the ground in April. Early varieties like ‘Purple Top Milan’ and ‘Snowball’ mature quickly and can be harvested in as little as six weeks, providing a fresh addition to salads and cooked dishes.

Chard:

• Chard can be sown directly into the ground or in seed trays in April. Varieties like ‘Bright Lights’ and ‘Fordhook Giant’ will provide continuous harvests of colorful, nutritious leaves throughout the growing season.

Courgettes:

• Courgettes (zucchini) can be started indoors in April. Varieties like ‘Black Beauty’ and ‘Gold Rush’ need a warm start and can be transplanted outdoors once the risk of frost has passed.

Squash:

• Squash varieties, including both summer and winter types, can be started indoors in April. Varieties like ‘Butternut’ and ‘Patty Pan’ require a long growing season and should be transplanted outdoors after the last frost.

Conclusion

Starting these vegetable seeds in April can help ensure a productive and healthy garden throughout the growing season. By sowing these hardy and warm-season crops both indoors and outdoors, you can enjoy a continuous supply of fresh produce. Make sure to provide the right conditions for each type of seed and monitor their growth to achieve the best results.

What Can We Plant In The Fruit Garden In April?

Fruits to Start Growing in the UK in April

Strawberries:

• Strawberries can be planted in April using bare-root runners or young plants. Plant them in pots, hanging baskets, or directly in the ground, ensuring they are in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Elsanta’ and ‘Cambridge Favourite’ are excellent choices for planting in April.

Raspberries:

• Raspberries can be planted as bare-root canes in April. Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Autumn Bliss’ and ‘Glen Ample’ will establish well and provide delicious fruit later in the year. Plant the canes about 45cm apart and mulch around the base to retain moisture.

Blueberries:

• Blueberries can be planted in April if the ground is not frozen. These acid-loving plants thrive in ericaceous (acidic) soil. Varieties like ‘Patriot’ and ‘Bluecrop’ are well-suited for planting in April. Plant in a sunny, sheltered spot and mulch with pine needles or bark to maintain soil acidity.

Blackberries:

• Blackberries can be planted as bare-root plants in April. Choose a sunny or partially shaded spot with well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Loch Ness’ and ‘Triple Crown’ are good choices. Plant the canes about 1.5m apart and support them with a trellis or wires.

Gooseberries:

• Gooseberries can be planted as bare-root bushes in April. These hardy bushes thrive in well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Varieties like ‘Invicta’ and ‘Hinnonmaki Red’ will establish well. Space the plants about 1.2m apart and mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Currants (Red, White, Black):

• Currants can be planted as bare-root bushes in April. Choose a sunny or partially shaded spot with well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Ben Sarek’ (black), ‘Red Lake’ (red), and ‘Blanka’ (white) are excellent choices. Space the plants about 1.5m apart and mulch around the base.

Apples:

• Apple trees can be planted as bare-root or container-grown trees in April. Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Bramley’ and ‘Discovery’ are great choices for planting in April. Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the roots and backfill with soil. Stake the tree to provide support and water well. Mulch around the base to retain moisture.

Pears:

• Pear trees can be planted as bare-root or container-grown trees in April. Plant in a sunny, sheltered spot with well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Conference’ and ‘Doyenne du Comice’ are excellent for planting in April. Dig a hole large enough for the roots, stake the tree for support, and water thoroughly. Mulch around the base to keep the soil moist and suppress weeds.

Plums:

• Plum trees can be planted as bare-root or container-grown trees in April. Choose a sunny, sheltered location with well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Victoria’ and ‘Opal’ are ideal for planting in April. Dig a hole large enough for the roots, stake the tree for support, and water well. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and prevent weed growth.

Cherries:

• Cherry trees can be planted as bare-root or container-grown trees in April. These trees prefer a sunny, sheltered spot with well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Stella’ and ‘Morello’ are good choices. Dig a hole large enough for the roots, stake the tree, and water thoroughly. Mulch around the base to conserve moisture and control weeds.

Peaches:

• Peaches can be planted as bare-root or container-grown trees in April. Select a sunny, sheltered location with well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Peregrine’ and ‘Redhaven’ are suitable for planting in April. Dig a hole large enough for the roots, stake the tree, and water well. Mulch around the base to keep the soil moist and reduce weed growth.

Apricots:

• Apricot trees can be planted as bare-root or container-grown trees in April. Plant in a sunny, sheltered spot with well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Moorpark’ and ‘Goldcot’ are great choices. Dig a hole large enough for the roots, stake the tree, and water thoroughly. Mulch around the base to maintain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

Grapes:

• Grapevines can be planted as bare-root or container-grown plants in April. Choose a sunny, sheltered location with well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Chardonnay’ and ‘Pinot Noir’ are excellent choices. Dig a hole large enough for the roots and provide a trellis or support system for the vines. Water well and mulch around the base to retain moisture.

Figs:

• Fig trees can be planted as bare-root or container-grown trees in April. Plant in a sunny, sheltered spot with well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Brown Turkey’ and ‘Brunswick’ are ideal for planting in April. Dig a hole large enough for the roots, stake the tree, and water thoroughly. Mulch around the base to conserve moisture and control weeds.

Conclusion

Starting your fruit plants in April can set the stage for a productive growing season. By planting hardy varieties in sunny, well-drained locations, you can ensure a bountiful harvest of delicious fruits. Make sure to provide the right conditions for each type of fruit and monitor their growth throughout the season. Enjoy the fruits of your labor with a healthy and productive fruit garden.

What Can We Plant In The Flower Garden In April?

Flowers to Start Growing in the UK in April

Sunflowers:

• Sunflowers can be sown directly outdoors in April. These tall, cheerful flowers need a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Giant Single’ and ‘Autumn Beauty’ will add a bright splash of color to your garden. Sow seeds directly in the garden once the soil has warmed.

Marigolds:

• Marigolds can be sown directly outdoors in April. These easy-to-grow flowers prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘French Marigold’ and ‘African Marigold’ are perfect for adding vibrant color to borders and containers. Sow seeds directly in the garden after the last frost.

Zinnias:

• Zinnias can be sown directly outdoors in April. These colorful, long-lasting flowers thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Cactus Flowered Mix’ and ‘Lilliput’ are excellent choices. Sow seeds directly in the garden once the soil has warmed.

Cosmos:

• Cosmos can be sown directly outdoors in April. These graceful, daisy-like flowers prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Sensation Mix’ and ‘Cosmic Orange’ will bloom all summer long. Sow seeds directly in the garden after the last frost.

Lavender:

• Lavender can be sown directly outdoors or in pots in April. These fragrant, hardy plants need full sun and well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Hidcote’ and ‘Munstead’ are ideal for borders and containers. Sow seeds directly in the garden or start them in pots indoors.

Nigella (Love-in-a-Mist):

• Nigella can be sown directly outdoors in April. These delicate flowers prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Miss Jekyll’ and ‘Persian Jewels’ are ideal for early sowing. Sow seeds directly in the garden once the soil is workable.

Larkspur:

• Larkspur can be sown directly outdoors in April. These tall, spiky flowers thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Imperial Mix’ and ‘Sublime Dark Blue’ will add height and color to your garden. Sow seeds directly in the garden after the last frost.

Sweet Alyssum:

• Sweet Alyssum can be sown directly outdoors in April. These low-growing, fragrant flowers prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Snow Crystals’ and ‘Carpet of Snow’ are perfect for borders and containers. Sow seeds directly in the garden once the soil has warmed.

Calendula (Pot Marigold):

• Calendula can be sown directly outdoors in April. These cheerful flowers are easy to grow and prefer full sun. Varieties like ‘Orange King’ and ‘Pacific Beauty’ are good choices. Sow seeds directly in the garden once the soil is workable.

Snapdragons:

• Snapdragons can be sown directly outdoors in April. These versatile flowers prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Rocket Mix’ and ‘Madame Butterfly’ are suitable for early sowing. Sow seeds directly in the garden after the last frost.

Cornflowers:

• Cornflowers can be sown directly outdoors in April. These classic cottage garden flowers prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Blue Boy’ and ‘Mauve Ball’ will provide beautiful blue blooms. Sow seeds directly in the garden once the soil is workable.

Clarkia:

• Clarkia can be sown directly outdoors in April. These elegant, double flowers prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Double Mix’ and ‘Salmon Queen’ are excellent for borders. Sow seeds directly in the garden after the last frost.

Morning Glories:

• Morning Glories can be sown directly outdoors in April. These fast-growing climbers prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Heavenly Blue’ and ‘Grandpa Ott’s’ will quickly cover trellises and fences. Sow seeds directly in the garden once the soil has warmed.

Sweet Peas:

• Sweet Peas can be sown directly outdoors in April. These fragrant flowers need a sunny spot and well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Old Spice Mixed’ and ‘Cupani’ will thrive. Sow seeds directly in the garden after the last frost.

Poppies:

• Poppies can be sown directly outdoors in April. These easy-to-grow flowers prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Shirley Mixed’ and ‘Iceland Poppy’ will add a splash of color to your garden. Sow seeds directly in the garden once the soil is workable.

Conclusion

Starting your flower seeds in April can set the stage for a vibrant and colorful garden. By planting hardy and early-blooming varieties directly outdoors, you can ensure a head start on the growing season. Make sure to provide the right conditions for each type of flower and monitor their growth throughout the season. Enjoy a beautiful and productive flower garden with a variety of blooms that will brighten up your outdoor space.