Gardening jobs to do in April

Keep your garden in the best shape possible with our monthly gardening checklists.

Gardening Tasks to Do in April

1. Prepare the Soil

April is the perfect time to prepare the soil for your garden. Start by removing any weeds or debris from your garden beds. Loosen the soil with a garden fork or tiller, and add compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil. Work the amendments into the soil to improve its structure and nutrition.

2. Prune and Trim

April is a great month to prune and trim your plants. Start by removing any dead or diseased branches from trees and shrubs. Trim back overgrown bushes to maintain their shape. Prune summer-flowering shrubs, such as hydrangeas and butterfly bushes, to encourage healthy growth and blossoming.

3. Start Seedlings Indoors

If you plan to grow plants from seeds, April is the time to start seedlings indoors. Fill trays or pots with seed-starting mix and plant your chosen seeds according to the packet instructions. Place them in a sunny windowsill or under grow lights. Once your seedlings have a good size and there is no risk of frost, you can transplant them outdoors.

4. Plant Cool-Season Vegetables

April is the month when you can start planting cool-season vegetables in your garden. Sow seeds or transplant seedlings of lettuce, spinach, kale, radishes, peas, and other cool-season crops. Make sure to follow the recommended spacing and planting depth for each variety.

5. Prepare the Lawn

To keep your lawn healthy and lush, there are a few tasks you can do in April. Rake up any remaining leaves or debris and remove any weeds. This is also a good time to aerate your lawn, especially if it has heavy foot traffic. Overseed any bare spots and apply a slow-release fertilizer to promote strong growth.

6. Divide and Transplant Perennials

April is a great month to divide and transplant perennials. Lift clumps of overcrowded perennials, such as hostas or daylilies, and carefully separate them into smaller sections, making sure each division has roots attached. Replant them in prepared soil with adequate water and sunlight.

7. Weed Control

As the weather warms up, weeds tend to emerge more rapidly. Regular weeding is essential to prevent them from taking over your garden. Use hand tools or a hoe to remove weeds, ensuring you remove the entire root system to avoid regrowth. Applying a layer of mulch around your plants can also help to suppress weed growth.

8. Check and Repair Irrigation Systems

Before the watering season begins, check and repair your irrigation systems. Inspect sprinkler heads and drip lines for any damage or leaks. Clear any clogged nozzles or drippers. Adjust the timers according to the changing weather and watering needs of your plants.

9. Protect from Late Frosts

April can still bring occasional late frosts that can damage young plants. Stay prepared by keeping frost blankets or cloths handy. If a frost is expected, cover your delicate plants in the evening and remove the covers in the morning to allow sunlight and air circulation.

10. Plan and Prepare for the Growing Season

Finally, use April to plan and prepare for the growing season ahead. Research and select new plants to add to your garden. Create a planting schedule and layout for your garden beds. Take soil samples and send them for testing if necessary. Make a list of tools, fertilizers, and amendments you may need, and stock up on gardening supplies.

By following these gardening tasks in April, you'll be well-prepared for a successful and abundant growing season!

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