Organic Gardening - what to sow in April

April is full of promise as spring gets underway. As the days get longer and warmer, it's a good time for planting, sowing, and preparing beds for the growing season ahead.

Flowering Plants

Flowering Plants

  • Sow calendula, cosmos and marigold seeds directly into the garden.
  • Sow poppy and wildflower seeds for pollinators.
  • Direct-sow cornflower seeds for vibrant blue accents.
  • If it's warm enough, plant out sweet pea seedlings under a sturdy support frame.
  • Start dahlias in pots undercover.
  • Sow nasturtiums and zinnias in seed trays.
  • Plant summer bulbs like lilies and gladioli.
  • Deadhead spent daffodil flowers but leave yellowing foliage to die back naturally.

Vegetables

Vegetables

  • Direct-sow carrots, parsnips and beetroots in prepared soil.
  • Sow peas and broad beans in rows or raised beds.
  • Start cucumber and courgette seeds under cover.
  • Start cherry tomato varieties indoors, in pots or seed trays.
  • Start sowing salad greens like lettuce and rocket in rows every two weeks.
  • Plant second early seed potatoes at the beginning of the month if the soil has warmed.
  • Start planting maincrop potatoes like 'Desiree' and 'King Edward' at the end of the month.
  • Plant onion sets and shallots outdoors in a raked and weed-free bed.

Fruit

Fruit

  • Plant new strawberry plants or potted runners from last year.
  • Plant new blueberry bushes in acidic compost in large pots.
  • Start melon seeds under cover in a warm, sunny spot.
  • Plant currant and gooseberry bushes in well-drained soil.
  • Prune back new grapevine shoots.
  • Tie in raspberry canes to prevent wind damage.
  • Feed fruiting plants with potassium rich organic feed.
  • Remove rhubarb forcers after 8 weeks and harvest the tasty stems.

General Garden Jobs

General Garden Jobs

  • Mow lawns on dry days, keeping the blades high.
  • Ventilate greenhouses as temperatures rise.
  • Weed paths and beds regularly to prevent spreading.
  • Plant oxygenating pond plants to improve water quality and encourage wildlife.
  • Set up rainwater collection systems.
  • Sow green manure in unused beds.
  • Divide and transplant overcrowded plants.
  • Set up supports for taller perennials.

Pots & Containers

  • Re-pot houseplants that are root-bound.
  • Add slow-release organic fertiliser to containers.
  • Plant mini dahlias at the end of the month for patio colour.

Wildlife

  • Install bird boxes in trees or walls.
  • Avoid chemicals to encourage natural pest control.
  • Add a small log pile for insects and amphibians.

Pruning

  • Prune early-flowering shrubs once after blooming to encourage new growth.
  • Trim winter-flowering heathers.
  • Shape topiary and trim lavender to promote a dense structure.

Organic Gardening Tip: Encourage natural predators like ladybirds by planting marigolds and calendula. They attract beneficial insects, helping keep pests in check and supporting a balanced garden ecosystem.

Sophie Essex

Written by: Sophie Essex, garden writer

Sophie Essex is a freelance garden writer with a passion for horticulture and environmental conservation. She's qualified with a BSc in Botany/Plant Biology from the University of Plymouth and a MSc in Biodiversity and Taxonomy of Plants from The University of Edinburgh.

Sophie has also worked as a professional gardener and landscaper, developing her practical skills at Cornwall's Eden Project, the National Trust for Scotland, and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.