THE ALMANAC - APRIL

LAWNS 
1. Mow lawns when weather allows and the grass looks uneven in height.
2. Don't forget to add the clippings to the compost heap as they help to accelerate the decomposition process. Dont add if weedkiller has been applied to the turf beforehand.
3. Re-shape the lawn with a half - moon tool if it has lost its edges to wear and tear. This will sharpen up the appearance of your garden for the summer.
4. Apply a high nitrogen feed to the lawn at the beginning of the month,to encourage strong, healthy growth. If moss is a problem, use a combined fertiliser and moss killer.
5. April is a good month to commence weedkilling of the lawn, but only if the weather has warmed up. Weeds need to be growing actively for it to work effectively.
6. Lightly scarify the lawn with a wire rake or electric lawn rake to remove any thick moss or thatch that is present.

VEGETABLES 
1. Chit and plant out second early potatoes in the first half of the month and maincrop in the second half.
2. Sow beetroot , carrot ,Swiss chard,summer cauliflower, kohl rabi, lettuce, leeks, radish, turnip, spring and pickling onions, peas and perpetual spinach in well prepared soil.
3. Why not try some unusual veg like salsify, Hamburg parsley or scorzonera. Both root veg favoured by the Victorians and still eaten a lot on the continent.
4. Broad beans sown in pots can now be transplanted into the garden.
5. Plant shallots, garlic and onion sets.
6. Sweet peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, aubergines, celery, salads, and globe artichokes can all be sown in a frost-free greenhouse.

GREENHOUSE
1. Increase watering of indoor and conservatory plants as days lengthen. Check if plants need watering, every few days. Seedlings will need daily attention.
2. Liquid feed once plants have shown signs of growth.
3. Apply a light covering of shade paint on greenhouse panes,to prevent scorching of leaves on plants by the sun.
4. Clean shiny-leaved plants with a damp cloth and spiky plants with a soft brush .
5. Pot up plants that are showing signs of being pot bound or top dress arge containers with fresh compost.
6. On warmer days , open doors and vents and damp down the floor to reduce humidity and help prevent disease.

TREES AND SHRUBS
1. Feed trees, shrubs and hedges with a balanced fertiliser (such as Growmore or blood, fish and bone). Sprinkle over the root area and water in. This will give a good start to the season.
2. Prune Forsythia and Flowering Currant straight after flowering and follow up with a general fertiliser. New wood will carry flower for next year.
3. Lightly cut back any Lavender in the garden and once again feed straight after.
4. Loosen any tree ties that have tightened around the stems.
5. Prune any evergreen shrubs such as Choisya ternata, Prunus laurocerasus and evergreen Ceanothus.
6. Take cuttings of your favourite conifers.

ROSES
1. Time to prune down roses to encourage strong healthy stems. Feed with a good rose fertilser.
2. Tie in climbers and ramblers to avoid accidental damage to people passing by.
3. Check again for signs of rot to standard rose stakes .
4. Continue to hoe through the beds to keep them looking good and to prevent weed running riot.
5. Keep an eye open for greenfly and other troublesome pests . Spray at first sign.
6. Begin feeding citrus plants with a citrus feed or using a high nitrogen feed with added trace elements.

PERENNIALS
1. Put supports in place for perennials before they grow too large to manage easily.
2. Remove faded daffodil and tulip flowers, nipping the heads and seed pods off.
3. Deadhead pansies, primulas and other spring bedding. Pansies will carry on into the early summer with a little maintenance.
4. Now is the time to replace any Perennials or to plant a whole new bed of them.
5. Divide clumps of Perennials to increase stock for yourself or to swap with friends or colleagues.
6. Apply a slow release feed to your Perennials and watch the result.