Allotment Gardening in April
Spring is in full swing in April, and there’s plenty to do on the allotment to prepare for the growing season ahead. Here’s a guide to some of the key jobs to tackle this month:
Planting
Seed Potatoes
Aim to get all your seed potatoes planted by the end of April. Plant chitted second early potatoes in the first two weeks of the month and maincrop potatoes in the second two weeks.
Sowing Seeds
This is the last chance to sow aubergines, chillies, and tomatoes, which need a long growing season. Sow them under cover. Other crops that can be sown under cover include celeriac, courgettes, squashes, pumpkins, marrows, and leeks.
Beetroot and carrots can be sown directly outside. So can peas, but they are a favorite snack for mice – if these are a problem, sow them indoors and plant the plants outside when they are 15cm tall.
Planting and Transplanting
Continue Planting
This is the last month for planting asparagus crowns and Jerusalem artichokes. You should also plant out shallots and onion sets.
Transplant Seedlings
Transplant the seedlings of broad beans sown in pots last month, and plant them in their final positions. Cover with fleece if cold weather is forecast.
Thinning and Weeding
Thin Seedlings
Thin out seedlings of crops sown last month, according to the spacings on the packets.
Carry on Weeding
Continue weeding – especially perennial weeds which will be starting to appear now – if you get on top of them now, they’ll be easier to control for the rest of the year. Hoe regularly to prevent annual weed seedlings from growing.
Pest Control
Check for Pests
You might start seeing aphids on your crops now – blast them off with water or spray with a horticultural soft soap.
Tips for Success
- Keep an eye on the weather forecast and wait a few days to sow and plant if necessary.
- Protect early outdoor sowings with fleece.
- Water your plants regularly, especially during dry spells.
- Fertilize your plants regularly to give them the nutrients they need to grow strong and healthy.
- Rotate your crops each year to prevent soil-borne diseases.
- Companion planting can help to deter pests and diseases.
- Keep a garden journal to track your progress and learn from your experiences.
With a little planning and effort, you can have a thriving allotment garden that will provide you with fresh, homegrown produce all year round.
