Springtime brings longer days and the emergence of bees and insects. The first trim of the lawn beckons, and the sound of birdsong begins to delight the ears. We can heave a sigh of relief that the long winter is finally over, and spring is here!

As we tiptoe outside, we realise how much preparation must be done for the year ahead, including beds and borders, seed sowing —it is a great time to engage in gardening activities and enjoy the wonderful outdoors.

Gardening: My lesser-known passion.

Those of you who know me will know I love to cook. What you may not know is that my other passion is my garden.

While looking for new plants, I often visit Oaktree’s Nursery and Market Garden in Bolton by Bowland, run by Philip and Angela. I went to school with Philip; his plant knowledge and advice are always spot on.

Last month, I went along to stock up on spring plants, and we had a lovely morning together. Philip and Angela shared some expert tips with me, so I thought I would pass them on to any other budding gardeners.

Special Tips from Oaktree’s Nursery

As spring takes full swing, gardens come to life with various blossoms, fresh foliage, and vibrant colours. It’s the perfect time to prepare your garden for the growing season. Here are seven essential tips and tricks to help you make the most of your gardening efforts in April.

1. Mulch beds and borders (with a layer of compost at least 1 inch thick).
2. Prune bush and climbing roses – before the end of the month (if possible).
3. Plant onion sets and shallots if you have a patch for veg.
4. Plant summer flowering bulbs, such as Lilly’s Gladioli and Eucomis, which are super addition to summer interest.
5. Lift and divide any overgrown clumps of perennials – which is a great way of getting plants for free.
6. Prune buddleia to a low framework and remove any crossing stems, to encourage new growth and to keep the size in check.
7. Keep a few dandelions in your garden to support early bees – a good excuse not to be too tidy.

Watch the short video here.

Preparing the Soil

Before planting new seeds or seedlings, it’s crucial to prepare the soil. This involves:

• Clearing Debris: Remove any dead leaves, twigs, and winter mulch that might have accumulated. This will ensure your garden is clean and ready for new growth.
• Weeding: Weeds compete with your plants for nutrients, water, and sunlight. Make sure to pull them out from the roots to prevent regrowth.
• Testing Soil pH: Different plants thrive in different pH levels. Use a soil test kit to determine the pH of your soil and amend it if necessary. Most garden plants prefer a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
• Adding Compost: Enrich your soil with organic matter by adding compost. This will improve soil structure, provide essential nutrients, and promote healthy root growth.

Planting Vegetables

April is an excellent time to plant a variety of vegetables. Some of the best options for this month include:

• Potatoes: Early varieties of potatoes can be planted now. Make sure to plant them in well-drained soil and cover them with a good layer of mulch.
• Carrots: Sow carrot seeds directly into the soil in rows. Ensure the soil is free from stones to prevent deformed carrots.
• Onions and Shallots: Plant sets of onions and shallots in well-drained soil. Space them adequately to allow for bulb development.
• Peas: Sow pea seeds in rows, providing support with trellises or netting as they grow.
• Leafy Greens: Spinach, lettuce, and kale can be sown directly into the garden or started indoors for transplanting later.

Flower Power

Enhance the beauty of your garden by planting a variety of flowering plants. Some great choices for April include:

• Daffodils and Tulips: These spring bulbs are usually planted in autumn, but if you have them in pots, now is the time to let them shine in your garden.
• Primroses and Forget-Me-Nots: Add these charming flowers to your garden borders for a splash of colour.
• Sweet Peas: These fragrant climbers can be sown directly into the soil or started in pots.
• Pansies and Violas: Perfect for adding vibrant hues to your garden beds and containers.
• Wildflowers: Create a natural, pollinator-friendly area by sowing a mix of native wildflower seeds.

Pruning and Maintenance

April is an ideal month for pruning and maintaining your garden plants. Here are some tasks to consider:

• Pruning Shrubs and Trees: Trim any dead or damaged branches to encourage healthy growth. Be cautious not to prune spring-flowering shrubs until after they have bloomed.
• Deadheading: Remove spent flowers from plants like daffodils and tulips to direct energy towards root development and future blooms.
• Mulching: Apply a fresh layer of mulch around your plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
• Supporting Plants: Install stakes, cages, or trellises for plants that need support as they grow. This will prevent them from bending or breaking under their own weight.

Caring for Wildlife

Encourage beneficial wildlife to visit your garden by:

• Providing Water Sources: Install bird baths, small ponds, or shallow dishes of water to attract birds, bees, and other pollinators.
• Feeding Birds: Hang bird feeders with a variety of seeds to support local bird populations.
• Creating Habitats: Leave some areas of your garden undisturbed to provide shelter for insects, amphibians, and small mammals.
• Planting Native Species: Choose plants that are native to your region to support local wildlife and promote a balanced ecosystem.

Greenhouse Gardening

If you have a greenhouse, April is a busy month for starting seeds and nurturing young plants. Key tasks include:

• Seed Sowing: Start seeds for tender vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers, as well as annual flowers.
• Potting On: Transplant seedlings into larger pots as they grow to ensure they have enough space for root development.
• Ventilation: As temperatures rise, ensure your greenhouse is well-ventilated to prevent overheating and to encourage air circulation.
• Watering: Keep an eye on soil moisture levels and water plants regularly, but avoid overwatering which can lead to root rot.

Lawn Care

April is a great time to give your lawn some attention to ensure it stays lush and healthy throughout the growing season:

• Mowing: Begin mowing your lawn regularly but set the mower blades higher to avoid stressing the grass.
• Aerating: Use a garden fork or aerator to create small holes in the lawn, allowing air, water, and nutrients to reach the grass roots.
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced lawn fertilizer to promote strong growth and a vibrant green colour.
• Overseeding: Sow grass seed over any bare or thin patches to encourage a thick, even lawn.

Gardening with Children

April is a fantastic month to involve children in gardening activities. It’s a great way to teach them about nature and the environment while having fun together:

• Planting Seeds: Choose easy-to-grow plants like sunflowers, beans, and marigolds. Children will love watching them sprout and grow.
• Creating a Mini Garden: Use containers or small garden beds to create a dedicated space for children to plant and care for their own garden.
• Exploring Wildlife: Encourage children to observe and learn about the different insects, birds, and other creatures that visit the garden.
• Crafting Garden Decorations: Get creative with children by making homemade garden decorations like painted stones, wind chimes, and bird feeders.
• Learning through Play: Incorporate educational games and activities related to plants, weather, and seasons to make gardening an enjoyable learning experience.

Gardening in April is a joyful and rewarding experience. By following these tips and embracing the beauty of spring, you can create a thriving garden that brings delight and satisfaction throughout the year. BUT – don’t forget to take some time for a cup of tea, listen to the birds, feel the fresh air on your face and enjoy every moment outside.

Aud’s Kitchen

With Easter approaching, I wanted to share a traditional biscuit recipe that originated from western England. These delicious Easter biscuits have been a beloved part of celebrations for centuries, with a history as rich as their buttery flavour.

You can omit currants if you prefer. Decorating biscuits with icing and sweets can be a fun Easter activity for children, making them a lovely gift.

Once decorated with icing, the biscuits will absorb some of the water from the icing and soften the biscuits, so only decorate the ones to be eaten on that day. The other biscuits will keep well in an airtight container.