April in southern England can feel like the garden is on fast-forward. Tulips, alliums and late daffodils create spectacular colour while borders fill with fresh green growth. It is a busy month but an enormously rewarding one — the results of autumn and winter work become visible all at once.
Key April Tasks
April brings a wide range of tasks as the season accelerates. Prioritise these for the biggest impact on your garden's performance through summer.
- Scarify and overseed the lawn if not done in autumn
- Apply lawn weed and feed treatment
- Hoe borders regularly to keep annual weeds in check
- Stake tall perennials like delphiniums and peonies early
- Divide overcrowded perennial clumps if not done in autumn
- Deadhead spring bulbs as they finish but leave foliage for six weeks
What to Plant in April
From mid-April the risk of damaging frost diminishes significantly across Hampshire, Dorset and Wiltshire, opening up a wide range of planting opportunities. Hardy annuals, perennials and shrubs can all go in now.
Lawn Care in April
Keep on top of mowing — the lawn will be growing rapidly. Lower the cutting height gradually from the March setting. Apply an April/spring lawn feed if not already done and treat any broad-leaved weeds with a spot weedkiller.
A&T Landscapes provides April lawn care, planting and maintenance services across Hampshire, Dorset and Wiltshire. Get in touch on 07735 916029.