Urban gardening jobs for April
It's April, which in the UK means longer days, brighter evenings... and work to do in your urban garden! Here's a rundown of just 30 of the many things to keep track on, whether you're growing indoor veg this year, tending to your houseplants as growing season arrives, or just need to keep your herbs in check.
Advice from the experts 👩🌾
Keep an urban gardening diary and take note of when you sow, plant, trim and harvest - it'll help you plan out your game plan in future years.
April gardening jobs for fruit, veg, houseplants and herbs
Sometimes we write comprehensive, thorough guides with cleverly named sections, varied and interesting images, and lots of funny asides and quips... sometimes we just work up a massive chart. This is one of the latter. Happy gardening!
Gardening tasks
| Task | Description |
|---|---|
| Sow seeds | Start sowing seeds for summer vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers indoors. Use seed starting trays filled with a good quality seed starting mix, and keep them in a warm, sunny spot to encourage germination. |
| Prune herbs | Trim back overgrown herbs such as mint, basil, and parsley to encourage bushier growth. Use clean, sharp scissors to snip away any dead or yellowing leaves, and harvest any usable parts for fresh culinary delights. |
| Inspect for pests | Check plants for early signs of pests such as aphids, vine weeviles, or spider mites. Wipe down leaves with a mild soap solution and remove any affected parts to prevent infestations from spreading. |
| Repot houseplants | Assess whether your houseplants need repotting into larger containers. Look for roots growing out of drainage holes or soil that dries out too quickly, and transplant them into slightly bigger pots with fresh potting mix. |
| Fertilise fruit trees | Apply a balanced fertilizer to fruit trees growing in containers to support healthy growth and encourage fruit production. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for application rates and frequency. |
| Start a compost bin | Begin composting kitchen scraps such as fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and eggshells to create nutrient-rich compost for your garden. Use a small compost bin or vermicomposting system suitable for small spaces. |
| Install trellises | Set up trellises or stakes for climbing vegetables like peas, beans, and cucumbers to provide support as they grow. Position them securely in containers or balcony edges to prevent toppling over. |
| Mulch containers | Apply a layer of mulch to container plants to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Use organic materials like shredded bark, straw, or compost. |
| Harvest salad greens | Begin harvesting salad greens like lettuce, spinach, and arugula as they reach maturity. Harvest outer leaves first, leaving the inner ones to continue growing for future harvests. |
| Prune fruit bushes | Trim back any dead or damaged branches on fruit bushes such as blueberries, raspberries, and currants to promote new growth and improve airflow within the plant. |
| Start microgreens | Begin growing microgreens indoors for a quick and nutritious addition to salads and sandwiches. Use shallow trays filled with potting mix and sow seeds densely, keeping them moist until they germinate. |
| Water citrus trees | Increase watering frequency for citrus trees growing in containers as they enter their active growth phase. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged to prevent root rot. |
| Divide perennial herbs | Divide overcrowded perennial herbs like chives, thyme, and oregano to rejuvenate them and create new plants. Carefully dig up the clump, separate the individual plants, and replant them in fresh soil. |
| Start a herb spiral | Create a herb spiral on your balcony or in a small outdoor space to maximize growing area and provide various microclimates for different herbs. Build up layers using bricks or stones, filling each tier with well-draining soil. |
| Train fruiting vines | Train fruiting vines such as grapes or kiwi along trellises or wires to maximize space and encourage fruit production. Prune away any excess growth to maintain manageable size and shape. |
| Install a drip irrigation system | Set up a drip irrigation system for container plants to ensure they receive consistent moisture without wastage. Choose a system suitable for small-scale gardening and adjust the flow to individual plant needs. |
| Start an indoor mushroom kit | Cultivate gourmet mushrooms like oyster or shiitake indoors using ready-to-grow mushroom kits. Follow the instructions provided with the kit for optimal growing conditions and harvest fresh mushrooms when ready. |
| Protect from late frosts | Keep an eye on weather forecasts and protect tender plants from late frosts by covering them with fleece or bringing them indoors overnight. Ensure proper ventilation to prevent heat buildup under covers. |
| Create a vertical herb garden | Utilize vertical space by constructing a vertical herb garden using hanging pockets, pallets, or mounted containers. Plant herbs with similar growing requirements together and ensure they receive adequate sunlight. |
| Start a container fruit orchard | Begin planning and planting a container fruit orchard with dwarf or patio varieties of fruit trees such as apples, pears, and cherries. Position containers strategically to optimize sunlight and airflow. |
| Test soil pH | Check the pH level of container soil using a pH testing kit and adjust as necessary to ensure optimal nutrient uptake by plants. Use pH-adjusting products available at garden centers following package instructions. |
| Prune indoor citrus trees | Prune indoor citrus trees to remove dead or diseased branches and shape the plant for better growth. Sterilise pruning tools between cuts to prevent the spread of diseases. |
| Start a herb windowsill garden | Create a windowsill herb garden using small pots or containers filled with herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage. Place them in a sunny window and rotate pots regularly to promote even growth. |
| Install a rainwater collection system | Set up a rainwater collection system to harvest rainwater from your roof or balcony for watering plants. Use a water butt or small rain barrel (we've got some other ideas for DIY water butts, too) connected to a downspout with a diverter kit. |
| Harvest early strawberries | Enjoy the first harvest of early strawberries grown in hanging baskets or containers. Pick ripe strawberries as they turn red, leaving the green caps attached for freshness. |
| Start a balcony fruit salad garden | Plant a variety of fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, and dwarf citrus trees in containers on your balcony to create a vibrant fruit salad garden. Mix in edible flowers like nasturtiums for added beauty and flavor. |
| Train espalier fruit trees | Train espalier fruit trees against a wall or fence to save space and create a decorative feature in your garden. Prune branches regularly to maintain the desired shape and encourage fruiting. |
| Start a container herb tea garden | Grow herbs like chamomile, mint, and lemon balm in containers to create a fragrant and flavorful herb tea garden. Harvest leaves and flowers as needed for brewing fresh herbal teas. |
| Install bird feeders | Attract beneficial birds to your balcony or small garden by installing bird feeders filled with seeds or nuts. Choose feeders suitable for the size of your space and keep them clean and stocked regularly. |
| Plan for summer succession planting | Begin planning for succession planting by selecting and ordering seeds for crops to follow those currently growing. Consider factors like space availability, crop maturity times, and preferred planting dates for a continuous harvest. |
And that's that! Check back soon for more monthly gardening reminders.