In The Flower Garden This April

Feed trees, shrubs and hedges with a balanced, slow-release fertiliser, by lightly forking it into the soil surfaces. Roses, in particular are greedy plants and will greatly benefit from feeding as they come into growth.

Pinch out the tips of fuchsia plants and sweet pea plant shoots, to encourage bushy growth this summer.

Tie in new honeysuckle and clematis stems. These plants will be putting on growth now, and you’ll need to train them along their supports.

Divide primroses once they have finished flowering.

Plant rhododendron bushes once the threat of frost has passed, and the ground is moist.

Lift and divide established border perennial plants now, like Hostas, to improve vigour and create new plants for your garden.

Tie in climbing roses.

Deadhead daffodils and tulips as the flowers finish, but leave foliage intact, allowing it to die back naturally.

Apply a layer of mulch around your perennials and biennial plants, trees and shrubs before the hot weather arrives. Use organic matter such as well-rotted manure.

Top Tip:

Check your patio plants aren’t drying out. The warmer weather will quickly affect soil moisture levels – try mixing water storing granules with compost to improve water retention in containers.