Well, April has arrived and, if you’re anything like me, you’ll be itching to get out into the garden at every opportunity. The soil is warming up, the days are longer, and everything suddenly feels full of promise. It’s one of the most rewarding months of the year for gardeners but also one of the busiest!

One of the first jobs I always tackle in April is giving the garden a proper tidy. Remove any leftover winter debris, dead leaves and weeds that have crept in unnoticed.

It’s amazing how much better everything looks with just a bit of attention, and it gives new growth the space it needs to thrive.

This is also the perfect time to prepare your borders and beds. Loosen the soil, add some compost or well-rotted manure, and you’ll be setting the foundations for a strong growing season. If you’re planning to plant later in spring, a little effort now will make all the difference.

April is a great month for planting, too. Hardy annuals can go straight into the ground, and you can start sowing vegetables like carrots, beetroot and lettuce. If you’ve got a greenhouse or windowsill space, it’s also time to get tomatoes and courgettes started.

Don’t forget your lawn. After a long winter, it will likely need a bit of care. Give it a light rake to remove moss and thatch, then apply a spring feed to encourage fresh, green growth. If the weather is mild, you can also start mowing again – just keep the blades set a little higher to begin with.

One of my favourite jobs this time of year is checking on the spring bulbs. Daffodils, tulips and crocuses are all putting on a show, and it’s a reminder of why all that autumn planting was worth it. Once they’ve finished flowering, leave the foliage in place so the bulbs can store energy for next year.

Finally, keep an eye on the weather. April can be unpredictable, and a late frost can still catch us out. Have some fleece or covers handy just in case.

Above all, enjoy it. There’s nothing quite like that first proper stretch of spring gardening – a bit of sunshine, a cup of tea nearby, and the satisfaction of seeing your garden come back to life.

Happy gardening,

Harold