Pat’s 10 jobs for April 2025

1. Pinch out sweet pea plants above the third leaf to make bushier plants and then, as the shoots grow, pinch out side shoots in the same way.

2. Sow hardy annuals now like Nigella, opium poppies and poached egg plants in any bit of empty ground you may have and mark them so you don’t forget where they are. Many of these are excellent for pollinators.

3. Prune hardy Fuchsias now to stimulate growth by cutting back to just above a healthy bud which will prevent them from getting too woody.

4. Check Dahlia tubers for any growth and make sure they’re getting enough light by turning them round regularly towards the light.

5. If your Cotinus is tall and leggy, cut back hard and it will reward you with better colour and larger leaves.

6. If you have a greenhouse, ventilate on these sunny days but close it up at night as its still really chilly.

7. Sow brassicas directly into soil this month and the thinnings can be used for planting in other places.

8. Plant your chitted second early and maincrop potatoes this month, either in the ground or in pots adding compost as the foliage comes through. Don’t forget your competition Cara potato for the Autumn Show!

9. While emptying your compost bin to mulch your plants and borders check for wildlife and take care with garden forks. We had a large slow worm in one of ours, the first I’ve ever seen!

10. If you have space, consider planting a dense berry shrub for birds to provide food and a safe nesting place away from predators like cats and magpies.

Happy gardening all!

Pat K