Gardening guide for April in the UK

Fig trees can be pruned to get rid of any branches damaged during winter. Cut back long bare branches to 2 inches to encourage new growth
Flowered shoots of hydrangeas and winter jasmine can now be pruned back
Evergreen and deciduous shrubs can be pruned back to encourage new growth and ensure optimum health for the upcoming year
Peaches and apricot fruitlets should be thinned out as the trees produce more than they can cope with. Thinning should start when fruitlets are the size of large peas
Perennials and ornamental grasses should be cut back to make way for new growth
Any daffodils and tulips which have finished flowering should now be deheaded

Container grown evergreens can be moved to the garden as they establish best in spring
Peas, broad beans, root veg, salad and hardy herbs can all be sown from early April
Chitted potatoes should now be ready to be planted outside
Tomato seeds can be sown indoors. Once all risk of frost has passed, they can be planted outdoors

Asparagus spears can be harvested now – this should be done before they reach 18cm
Rhubarb can be harvested from early April. Pull the stems rather than cut to avoid the remaining stump from rotting
Onions, kale, leeks and broccoli can all be harvested if ready
Early sown salad can be harvested now. Cut off the leaves, leaving the plant, to encourage regrowth

Roses, fruit trees and shrubs should be mulched after a wet spell to help protect the soil from drying out during hot and dry spells
Dig over bare soil with a fertiliser to de-weed and prepare for planting
Strawberry plants will be coming out of dormancy. Ensure they are well watered and fed a high potassium fertiliser to encourage growth
Clear out your greenhouse of any plant debris and disinfect and wash the benches and glass. Keep the greenhouse ventilated to prevent stale air
Climbing roses and, honey suckle and clematis should be tied to their supports to train the plants and support new growth

April Gardening Guide 101