Grow Your Own: What to be planting in spring
As the weather begins to warm up and the days become longer, it's the perfect time to start thinking about your April gardening plans. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, there's no better time to get your hands dirty and start planting. With the arrival of spring, April is the month when gardens come alive with colour and life, and there's plenty to do in the garden to ensure a bountiful harvest later in the year. From sowing seeds to fertilising, there's no shortage of tasks to keep you busy.
A lot of seeds need to be sown this season. The days are getting longer and (fingers-crossed) warmer so let’s explore what should be planted right now so you can enjoy a beautiful and thriving garden throughout the year.
Remember to check the specific planting requirements for each type of plant, such as the amount of sunlight, soil type, and water needs to ensure successful growth.
Vegetables
Vegetables
Carrots
They like full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. If you have stony, shallow or heavy clay soil then you would benefit from short-rooted varieties to avoid forked or stunted roots.
Sow 1cm deep in rows 15 - 30cm apart. Don’t forget to protect against slugs!
Peas
Plant peas 3cm deep in fertile soil and be sure to stake young plants to support their growth. Feed weekly and you will be able to harvest after around 3 months.
Potatoes
There are three main types of potatoes to grow: first earlies, second earlies and maincrop.
First earlies are the earliest to crop. They will be ready to harvest in June and July.
Second earlies are harvested in July and August.
Maincrop potatoes take the longest amount of time to mature. They are best for baking, roasting and mashing and, unlike the others, can be stored for a few months.
Remove weeds and dig strips into the ground around 12cm deep and 60cm apart; use string to keep the lines straight! Plant your seed potatoes down the lines, ensuring a 30cm space between each. Wait for the shoots to grow at least 20cm tall before raking soil halfway up the stems.
Beetr0ot
Ensure you’ve picked a spot that isn’t in danger of becoming waterlogged. Sow the seeds in drills 2.5cm deep in rows spaced at 30cm apart.
Radish
Radishes are easy to grow and take up very little room so can be used as gap-fillers in-between your other seeds. They are also very quick growers, with germination taking as little as a week.
The technique for sowing will differ depending on the type of radish you’re sowing so be sure to read the packet thoroughly.
Lettuce
Growing your own lettuce is a much cheaper alternative to buying bags of it in the shop.
The easiest way to grow lettuce is in plant pots. Simply scatter the seeds thinly over moist, peat-free seed compost and cover it gently. Once the seedlings are big enough to handle, space them 10-20cm apart - you can use the spare seedlings in a salad! Sow seeds every 2 weeks until September to ensure a constant supply throughout summer.
Last chance…
For aubergines, chillies and tomatoes.
Alternatively, wait until May and get ready-to-plant plug plants.
Herbs
Herbs
Tender herb seeds, such as basil, marjoram and coriander, should be sown indoors ready to be planted outdoors once the risk of frost has passed.
Mint, oregano, rosemary, thyme and sage can be sown indoors along with the tender herbs or wait until May and sow them in containers outdoors.
Want a head start? Our herb plants are available in-store and are perfect to get you started as the weather warms up.
Flowers
Flowers
Cosmos
To ensure your cosmos have a long growing season, it is best to sow your seeds in April indoors. Wait until they have sprouted with two pairs of leaves and move them over into 7cm pots. Once it gets warmer and the risk of frost have gone, harden them off for a week or two by placing them on a patio until they’re ready to be planted where you would like them to flower.
Poppies
Poppies make beautiful additions to the garden in May and June. Different varieties like different growing conditions so be sure to do your research!
To plant oriental and Himalayan poppies, dig your hole and add some organic matter. Once the plant is in place, water it in well.
Annual poppy seeds can be sown directly into the ground. Rake and water the ground and scatter the seeds without covering them.
Sunflowers
Because sunflowers are so easy to grow, they are a great project for children. Find a sunny, sheltered spot and add plenty of manure or compost before sowing your seeds. Sow your seed in April indoors until the risk of frost has gone and make sure to water regularly. Taller varieties may need staking.
Depending on the variety, they can take up to 18 weeks to flower from seed so we recommend sowing seed every couple of weeks so that you have a constant supply of these beautiful flowers throughout summer.
Nasturtiums
One of the quickest and easiest annuals to grow, they provide plenty of colourful blooms from midsummer all the way until the first of the autumn frosts. They are also a favourite of bees.
They can be used as companions in the veg patch to keep to distract pests away from your produce. Bushy varieties look great in containers and hanging baskets while climbing varieties look great on decorative obelisks. Need another reason to give them a go? The flowers, leaves and seeds are all edible!
After the last frost, sow nasturtiums directly into the soil where you want them to grow ensuring they have access to sunlight. Unlike most other plants, they thrive on poor soil; as long as it is well-draining.
Fruit Trees
Fruit Trees
Although it’s now too late for bare-rooted trees, potted fruit trees and bushes such as currants, gooseberry, citrus and fig trees will be perfect for spring.
Ask in-store about our selection of potted fruit trees!
Fruit
Fruit
Strawberry runners can be planted in April and, in the right conditions, will fruit in a few weeks.
Top tip: protect young plants against snails and slugs by covering them in straw.