What to Do in the Garden in April: Planting, Pruning & Spring Prep

April marks the true arrival of spring, bringing longer days, unpredictable weather, and a surge in plant growth. It's the moment to fully commit to the garden, balancing preparation with planting and problem-solving. This month is all about getting ahead–setting up for a strong summer while tackling early-season challenges like weeds, pests, and changing temperatures.

April Gardening Checklist: Stay Organised with Easy Garden Irrigation's Monthly Guide

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What to Plant in April

April is an exciting time for sowing, with both flowers and vegetables ready to go. Hardy annuals such as sweet peas, sunflowers, cosmos, and nasturtiums can be sown directly outside, setting the stage for a colourful summer display.

The vegetable patch comes to life with direct sowings of peas, radishes, parsnips, and spring onions, while early potatoes can be planted to establish strong roots before the heat of summer. For those growing tomatoes, courgettes, or beans, it's best to keep them indoors or in a greenhouse for now–April's occasional frosts mean tender crops aren't ready to face the outdoors just yet.

Dealing with April's Rain and Sun

This month brings a mix of heavy showers and warm spells, which can create both opportunities and challenges in the garden. Too much rain can lead to waterlogging, making it crucial to improve drainage in problem areas.

Aerating compacted soil or adding grit to heavy clay can help keep plant roots healthy and prevent rot. On the other hand, unexpected warm days can leave young seedlings at risk of scorching. Shade netting or taller companion plants can offer protection, ensuring new growth stays strong without stress.

Slug and Snail Control: The Battle Begins

With damp conditions and fresh, tender shoots emerging, April is the peak season for slugs and snails. Rather than waiting for them to take over, it’s best to act early. Simple barriers like gravel or crushed eggshells can deter them, while copper rings around pots provide an extra layer of protection.

Organic solutions such as beer traps and wool pellets can also reduce their numbers without harming other wildlife. For those facing a major slug problem, introducing nematodes—a natural predator of slugs—into the soil can help keep populations in check before they cause too much damage.

April Pruning: What to Cut Back Now

With plants bursting into life, strategic pruning ensures healthy growth. Lavender and rosemary benefit from a light trim to maintain their shape, while hydrangeas should have any dead wood removed to encourage strong summer blooms.

Climbing roses will need their new shoots tied in, while weaker stems should be cut away. Spring bulbs such as daffodils and tulips can be deadheaded once the flowers fade, but their foliage should be left intact to feed the bulbs for next year.

Lawn Repair: April is the Best Time to Fix Bare Patches

After winter, many lawns are looking worse for wear, but April provides the perfect conditions for a revival. Before reseeding, removing moss and thatch through scarification will allow new grass to establish properly.

Overseeding now gives seeds time to settle and germinate before the summer heat makes it harder for new growth to thrive. Regular watering and a spring lawn feed will encourage lush, green grass, but mowing should be kept to a moderate height to avoid stressing the lawn too early in the season.

Preparing the Greenhouse and Indoor Growing Spaces

Greenhouses and indoor growing spaces often get overlooked during April, yet this is the ideal time to prepare them for the busy months ahead. A deep clean is essential to remove pests and disease spores left over from the winter months.

Good ventilation is key—propping open greenhouse doors on warmer days prevents overheating and encourages strong, resilient growth. Organising seed trays, checking watering systems, and making sure all tools are ready for the season ahead will ensure a smooth transition into late spring and summer planting.

April: The Month to get ahead

April is one of the most exciting months in the garden, setting the foundation for a thriving season ahead. With plants waking up, warmer days on the horizon, and the unpredictability of spring weather, now is the time to sow, protect, and prepare. By tackling slugs early, making the most of rain showers, and getting lawns, greenhouses, and planting beds in top shape, you’ll be setting yourself up for a vibrant and productive garden. Stay ahead of the season, and by summer, you’ll reap the rewards of the work you put in now.