This is one of the busiest times of the year. The more that can be done now the easier it will be for the rest of the year. Time spent weeding and mulching now is time well spent.
Plants to look out for that should be flowering now include the ever-popular Forsythia, which is a mass of bright yellow flowers in spring. Kerria japonica with it’s bright butter-yellow blooms throughout April and May. Look out as well for some of the varieties of Cytisus in creams, reds and yellows.
All of the above plants are generally available at the nursery.
VEGETABLES – Continue to sow hardy vegetables. Plant out onions and shallots if you haven’t already done so. Earth up potatoes. Plant main crop potatoes. Continue to sow tender vegetables under glass for planting out later on.
FRUIT – Protect early blossom from frost and birds. Prune plum trees. Weed and mulch between fruit bushes. Hand pollinate early flowering fruit.
FLOWERS – Continue to plant perennial borders. Weed regularly. Keep an eye out for pests and diseases.
GREENHOUSE – Ventilate whenever possible. Shade if needed. Plant aubergines, peppers, cucumbers and melons in heated greenhouses. Plant tomatoes in unheated greenhouses. Watch out for pests and diseases.
LAWNS – Mow more frequently, feed and re-sow or re-turf worm patches of lawn.
GENERAL – Hoe and weed regulary. Watch out for pests and diseases.
Despite all the work that has to be done at this time of the year, remember to take some time to enjoy the display of plants that is beginning to unfold.