In The Fruit Garden This April

Prune Fruit Trees and Bushes: 

• Apple and Pear Trees: Late March to early April is a good time to prune your apple and pear trees before they begin to bloom. Remove any dead or diseased wood, as well as any crowded or crossing branches, to improve air circulation and sunlight exposure. 
• Stone Fruit Trees (Plums, Cherries, Apricots): Prune these trees once the risk of frost has passed, as they tend to bleed sap if pruned too early. Cut away any damaged wood or any branches that are growing inward. 
• Raspberry Canes: Cut back any old canes that have already fruited, leaving healthy, new canes to bear fruit this year. 

Feed Fruit Trees: 

• As the growing season begins, it’s a good time to feed your fruit trees. Use a balanced fertiliser (organic or slow-release) to provide essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which help promote healthy growth and fruiting. 
• For apples, pears, and other fruit trees, apply the fertiliser around the base of the tree, not directly on the trunk. 

Plant New Fruit Trees and Bushes: 

• If you’re planning to add new fruit trees or bushes to your garden, April is a great time to plant. Consider planting strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, or even new apple trees if the soil is workable. Be sure to plant in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. 
• Strawberries: You can plant bare-root strawberry plants now for a late summer or autumn harvest. 

Thin Out Overcrowded Fruit: 

• If your fruit trees are beginning to set fruit (especially apple and plum trees), thin out the developing fruits to ensure better-sized and better-quality fruit. Thin them to about 4-6 inches apart to prevent overcrowding and to give each fruit the space it needs to grow. 

Tie-In Fruit Bushes: 

• If you have cordon or espaliered fruit trees (apples, pears, or plums), April is the time to tie in the new growth to supports. This helps encourage a structured growth pattern and makes harvesting easier. 

Prune Gooseberries and Currants: 

• Prune back any dead or old wood from gooseberries and currants. This encourages new growth, improves airflow, and helps with fruit production. For gooseberries, remove any branches that are touching the ground to prevent disease. 

Support Climbing Fruit Plants: 

• If you’re growing grapes or kiwis, now is the time to provide support. Install trellises or other structures to train them as they grow, encouraging better airflow and fruit production. 

Mulch Around Fruit Plants: 

• Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as well-rotted compost, around the base of your fruit trees and bushes. This helps retain moisture, suppresses weeds, and improves soil structure. Mulching also keeps the soil temperature stable, which is particularly beneficial as the weather fluctuates in spring. 

Protect Blossom from Late Frosts: 

• April can still bring frosty nights, which can damage fruit blossoms. If you have fruit trees or bushes that are starting to bloom, consider using frost fleece or horticultural covers to protect them during cold spells. You can also try lighting a frost torch or placing cloches around tender plants. 

By following these April fruit garden tips, you’ll help your fruit plants thrive and set the stage for a productive growing season. Happy gardening!