April Tasks
Some of these are a continuation of earlier tasks.
 Refresh pots and containers - remove top layer of soil and top dress with fresh compost.
Time to pot up your Dahlias! but protect them from the frost - green house or sheltered area advised .
Encourage clematis growth later in the year by pruning now, do check which clematis group you have at https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=109
Stock up on nematodes - a unique organic solution to control caterpillars, codling moth & gooseberry sawfly, snails, slugs, vine weevil and many more beasties.
Start sowing.. chillies to spice up your life (best done inside as they need around 20 °C to germinate)
Great vegetable patch planner: https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/pdfs/gyo/vegplanner
Flower planting planner: https://www.sarahraven.com/seeds_to_sow
Dead-head hydrangeas before new growth appears. Cut to about one third of last season's growth.
Roses should be fed with a special rose feed as they come into growth.
Lawns will still be in need of some looking after...Spike spike spike!
Start mowing to maintain a regular height of cut.
Fertilise the soil and start seeding again to give a real boost to your green carpet!
All the heucheras we have come across seem to have suffered during the winter months... check for rust (pick the infected leaves and burn if possible).
Tips for growing heucheras: grow in a fertile, moist but well-drained, neutral soil in sun or partial shade. The woody rootstock tends to lift out of the ground, so mulch annually or lift and replant.
We do mention this every time and it is never too late to evenly spread garden compost or well-rotted manure. This will keep your soil in good condition and help with its structure (especially for compacted areas).
If unsure you can contact us or the RHS for help (RHS members can send samples for assessment).
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