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GUIDES

April

April, well known for sunshine and showers, is the perfect month for gardeners when they start to see the results of all their hard work. Many beautiful trees and shrubs will be in full flower this month as well as bulbs in beds and borders.

Jobs around the Garden…

  • Keep on top of weeding the borders and vegetable patch
  • The lawn will be the next to need attention so start weekly trims and tidy up the edges with a half-moon edger. You could also feed your lawn now as long as the weather is frost free. April is a good time to turf or sow seed for a new lawn.
  • Later in the month start hardening off summer bedding, hanging baskets and containers by bringing them out during the day and taking them in at night.
  • Summer bulbs and tubers could be planted out as well as seeds of hardy annuals which will flower in-situ.
  • As climbers really get started into growth, they will need to be tied into their supports to get the best display from them.
  • Hedges will now need to be trimmed as well as fed, a mulch around their base would be beneficial as well.
  • A general feed all around the garden will help your plants.
  • Protect your plants from pests and diseases

Flowers to sow…

Seeds to start off indoors:

  • Ageratums
  • Marigolds
  • Nasturtiums
  • Petunias
  • Salvias
  • Scabiosa
  • Zinnnias

To sow directly into the soil:

  • Calendulas
  • Sunflowers
  • Wildflower Mix

Vegetables to grow…

Vegetables that still need protection:

  • Courgettes
  • Cucumbers
  • Marrows
  • Melons
  • Squash/ Pumpkin
  • French/ Runner Beans
  • Sweetcorn
  • Tomatoes

To sow outdoors:

  • Beetroots
  • Broad Beans
  • Brussels Sprouts
  • Broccoli
  • Calabrese
  • Cabbages
  • Cauliflowers
  • Salsify
  • Scorzonera

  • Continue to put out food for birds but avoid chunky foods that could choke young fledglings
  • Make sure the bird bath is well topped up with fresh water
  • As well as bird nesting boxes why not try bat boxes and bee/pollinating insect homes
  • Introduce plants that attract bees/pollinating insects
  • Feed large aquatic plants, you can use an aquatic slow-release fertiliser tablet well below soil level around the base of the plant
  • It’s natural for algae to grow in the spring, however if the problem continues for more than a few weeks consider adding more oxygenating plants into your pond to help clear the water

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The Garden CentreTo Visit in Essex

We have parking spaces for up to 450 cars and easy access both onto and off of the A127, which is the main dual-carriage way into Southend-on-Sea. The A127 is off Junction 29 of the M25 which is a 10 minute drive to our door. Plan your visit to Summerhill today. We can’t wait to see you.

Summerhill Garden Centre, Pipps Hill Road North, A127 Arterial Road, Billericay, Essex CM11 2UJ