Job assignments for the month of April
April Action on the Allotment: Gearing Up for a Green Spree
With longer days and warmer temps, April is the ideal time to kickstart your allotment activities. The job list is long - sowing, planting, weeding - but it's all part of the fun!
- What's Hot to Plant in April
Though the days may be balmy, chilly nights protected by frost lurk, so resist the urge to plant too soon. Keep a close eye on the weather updates and wait a bit if necessary. Fleece is your best buddy for protecting early outdoor sowings.
Here are some allotment jobs to tackle in April:
Set those spuds
Aim to have all your potato land occupied by the month's end. Sow second early potatoes during the first two weeks, and maincrop potatoes in the following fortnight.
Seed the scene
This is the final call for sowing aubergines, chilies, and tomatoes, each needing a long growing period. Opt for covers if you only need a few plants. You could also hold off until May and buy 'em from the garden center.
Apart from these, crops like celeriac, courgettes, squashes, pumpkins, marrows, and leeks can be sown under protection.
Beetroot and carrots can be sown outside, and peas, too, but watch out for those pesky mice - if they're a problem, sow peas indoors, and plant the seedlings once they reach 15cm.
Planting Time
This is your last chance for planting asparagus crowns and Jerusalem artichokes. Shallots and onion sets deserve a spot this month as well.
Thinning the Herd
Thin out last month's seedlings as per the given spacings on the packets.
Transplant TLC
Move last month's broad bean seedlings from pots to their final positions. Drape with fleece if frost forecast.
Pest Patrol
You might start seeing aphidsAttack! Blast them away with water or opt for a horticultural soft soap spray.
Weeding War
Continue weedingNature's nuisances, especially those pesky persistent ones. Regular hoeing will nip annual weed seedlings in the bud.
BONUS: Strategic Planting and Frost-Fighting Tips
- Prep the Soil: Before planting, ensure your soil is well-drained, weed-free, and rich in organic matter.
- Cold Frames: Protect seedlings with cold frames for an added layer of frost protection.
- Mulch Magic: Mulch helps retain moisture and suppress weeds while regulating soil temperature.
- Cover Up: Row covers or individual plant covers provide protection while allowing essential nutrients to reach the plants.
- Tactical Timing: Plant when the weather forecasts are favorable and avoid planting right before a predicted frost.
- Crop Selection: Choose crops known for their early season hardiness and frost tolerance.
- Wise Watering: Keep soil consistently moist, but avoid overwatering that can lead to rot and other issues.
- Weather Watch: Keep a close eye on the weather, and react swiftly if a frost is predicted.
- Raised Beds: Warm up faster than the ground, giving early-season crops a head start.
- Indoor Starters: For sensitive crops, start 'em off indoors and transplant them once the weather warms.
Embrace April in your allotment, and prepare to enjoy a bountiful harvest by sticking to these practices!
- For a vibrant home-and-garden lifestyle, consider sowing leeks, celeriac, courgettes, squashes, pumpkins, marrows, and chilies in April under protection.
- Asparagus crowns, Jerusalem artichokes, shallots, and onion sets are best planted this month, making it an ideal opportunity for enhancing your home-gardening endeavors and lifestyle.
