April is an exciting month for all garden lovers: The first green shoots are sprouting, and new life is beginning to emerge everywhere. For garden enthusiasts, this also means a lot of work to lay the foundation for a magnificent gardening season.
With the following tips and tasks, you are well equipped to get your garden in shape and transform it into a true flower and harvest paradise.
Easily trim shrubs and softwood plants into shape
In April, it's worth gently trimming shrubs and softwood plants (e.g., hydrangeas, buddleia, or ornamental shrubs). The main reason is that after the frost, the plants are working on new growth, and old wood is barely drawing any energy. Light pruning encourages new growth, as more energy can be invested in the young branches.
- Why now? After the last frosts, the wood is no longer weakened by subzero temperatures, and you can more easily see which shoots have died.
- Tip: Make sure you only cut down to healthy wood. Use sharp pruning shears to minimize damage to the plant. Please be careful not to disturb the plants you are pruning near bird nests so you don't disturb them during the breeding season.
Scarify lawn
After the winter, your lawn often struggles with moss and thatch, which makes it difficult for water and nutrients to reach the grass roots. The result is an uneven, sometimes yellowed lawn. In April, it's a good idea to scarify the lawn—that is, lightly scratch the turf with rotating blades.
- Why now? In April, the soil is already warm and moist enough for the grasses to recover quickly. Furthermore, growth is just around the corner, so bare patches will quickly grow over after scarification.
- Tip: First, mow the lawn to a height of about three centimeters. Then, go over the lawn with the scarifier lengthwise and, if necessary, crosswise. Remove any moss you've combed out and fill any bare patches with grass seed if necessary. You can find more tips on scarifying here .
Growing vegetables indoors
April is ideal for starting heat-loving vegetables like tomatoes , peppers, or cucumbers in seed pots. This gives your young plants a head start and makes them more resilient in the open field.
- Why now? Starting in mid-May, when night frosts are no longer expected in most regions, the pre-grown seedlings can be transplanted into the garden bed or larger containers. By then, they will have a strong root system and will be able to withstand pests and the vagaries of the weather.
- Tip: Use special potting soil that's low in nutrients. This encourages the roots to grow deeper. Place your growing containers in a bright location and make sure the soil always stays slightly moist, but not too wet.
Planting early potatoes
Potatoes are among the most popular vegetables in the home garden. Early potatoes can be planted as early as April to allow for early root development and a faster harvest.
- Why now? Early potatoes benefit from moderate temperatures and increasing sunshine. Plus, if you plant them early, they can be harvested as early as late May/early June.
- Tip: Choose a variety like 'Annabelle' or 'Sieglinde'. Plant the seed potatoes in rows in a furrow about 10 centimeters deep and cover them loosely with soil. Keep the soil moist, but avoid waterlogging. Once the young potato plants are about 15 to 20 centimeters tall, mound soil around the base of the stems. This promotes tuber growth and prevents the potato leaves from turning green.
Dividing perennials
Many perennials like hostas, asters, and peonies benefit from being divided every few years. Dividing rejuvenates older plants and provides additional cuttings for other areas of the garden or to give as gifts.
- Why now? April is a good time because the plants are just emerging from winter and aren't yet in full bloom. After dividing, they can easily grow in a new location because the temperatures are mild.
- Tip: Carefully lift the perennial from the soil with a digging fork and divide the root ball into several pieces using a sharp spade or knife. Make sure each piece contains at least one strong shoot. Replant the pieces promptly and water them thoroughly.
Promote beneficial organisms
A healthy garden thrives on a balance between plants and animals. Beneficial insects such as bees, butterflies, and ladybugs play a key role in pollination and pest control. By creating inviting conditions for them, your garden will become healthier and easier to maintain in the long run.
- Why now? In spring, beneficial insects also awaken from their winter hibernation and search for shelter and food.
- Tip: Set up insect hotels , leave some wildflowers, or plant bee pastures with native flowers. Also, avoid chemical pesticides as much as possible to minimize the use of toxins.
Making compost
A compost heap is the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to create nutrient-rich soil for your garden. In April, pruning shrubs, scarifying the lawn, and removing old perennials will produce plenty of organic matter.
- Why now? Spring is ideal for building new layers of green and brown waste. The higher temperatures accelerate the decomposition process.
- Tip: Alternate layers of soft green material (e.g., grass clippings, fruit and vegetable scraps) with rich brown material (e.g., twigs, wood chips). Make sure the compost doesn't get too wet and turn it regularly to prevent rot.
Fertilizing fruit trees
After the winter, your fruit trees also need a boost to produce abundant blossoms and, later, fruit. Targeted fertilization ensures they receive all the nutrients they need.
- Why now? Fruit trees begin their growth in April, forming buds and preparing for flowering. Fertilizing at this time helps them gather sufficient strength.
- Tip: It's best to sprinkle an organic fertilizer (e.g., compost or horn shavings) around the trunk in the root area. Lightly work the fertilizer in and then water thoroughly.
Conclusion
With this checklist, you'll have all the important tasks at hand to optimally care for your garden in April and prepare it for the coming gardening year. Whether it's gently pruning shrubs, scarifying the lawn, forcing vegetables, or planting early potatoes – you'll create the best conditions for healthy plants and a bountiful harvest. Take your time, observe nature, and enjoy the small improvements. This will make April the perfect start to a blooming and fruitful gardening season!
