April on the Allotment: Jobs to Do This Month

April is an exciting time on the allotment, as the growing season truly begins to take off. The days are getting longer, temperatures are rising (albeit with the occasional frost), and plants are beginning to burst into life. It’s a busy month, so let’s get stuck in!

General Allotment Jobs for April

  • Weeding and Soil Preparation: Weeds will start growing rapidly, so keep on top of them by hoeing regularly. Remove perennial weeds by the root to prevent regrowth.

  • Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around fruit trees, bushes, and vegetable beds to suppress weeds and retain moisture.

  • Feeding and Watering: As plants begin their active growth, feed them with well-rotted manure, compost, or an organic liquid feed.

  • Pest Control: Keep an eye out for slugs, snails, and aphids. Use organic deterrents like beer traps, crushed eggshells, or companion planting.

  • Support Structures: Put up bean poles, pea supports, and netting now to be ready for climbing plants.

What to Sow in the Greenhouse

April is a great month to get seeds started in the greenhouse before transplanting them outside. Consider sowing:

  • Tomatoes – Start them in pots or modules for planting out when the risk of frost has passed.

  • Peppers & Chillies – These need a long growing season, so early sowing ensures a good harvest.

  • Cucumbers & Courgettes – Start them off in individual pots to give them a head start.

  • Brassicas – Cabbages, cauliflowers, and Brussels sprouts can be started now for planting out in late spring.

  • Herbs – Basil, coriander, and parsley all benefit from a warm greenhouse environment.

What to Sow Directly Outside

By mid-April, with the soil warming up, you can start sowing hardy vegetables directly into the ground:

  • Carrots – Thinly sow early varieties like ‘Nantes’ or ‘Amsterdam Forcing’.

  • Parsnips – These take a while to germinate, so sow them early and be patient.

  • Beetroot – A great early crop that can be succession sown every few weeks.

  • Radishes & Salad Leaves – Quick to grow and ideal for continuous harvesting.

  • Peas & Broad Beans – Sow directly or transplant earlier-sown seedlings.

  • Onions & Shallots – Plant sets in well-drained soil for a summer harvest.

Seasonal Jobs for April

  • Potatoes: If you haven’t already, plant early potatoes now. Second earlies and maincrop varieties can also go in the ground.

  • Strawberries: If you have overwintered plants, give them a tidy-up and a top dressing of compost to encourage strong growth.

  • Fruit Trees & Bushes: Check for any signs of disease or pests and prune as needed. Apply a balanced fertiliser to encourage fruiting.

  • Hardening Off Tender Plants: If you started any tender plants in the greenhouse, begin hardening them off by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions.

  • Check Water Butts: April showers can help top up your water reserves, so make sure your butts are positioned correctly and clean if needed.

Final Tips for a Successful April on the Allotment

  • Watch the Weather: April can be unpredictable, so be prepared to cover delicate seedlings if a late frost is forecast.

  • Succession Sowing: Stagger sowing times for crops like lettuce, radishes, and spinach to ensure a steady supply.

  • Enjoy the Process: April is one of the busiest months on the allotment, but take time to enjoy the sight of new life emerging!

With a bit of planning and effort, April can set the foundation for a productive and rewarding growing season. Happy gardening!