What to do in the garden in April

In the garden

April brings some rain and mild temperatures, a good time to plant before the heat. Keep an eye on the tender shoots of roses, citrus and oleanders: this is when aphids appear. If there are only a few, a jet of water or potassium soap is enough. Leave the ladybirds alone, as they eat them.

Lawn

With the soil warm, you can sow or lay turf of Bermuda grass or warm-season blends, which cope better with summer on less water. Feed existing lawns with a spring fertiliser and water afterwards so it doesn’t scorch.

Watering

Gradually water more often, depending on the weather. Always water first thing in the morning. Check that water reaches all the new plants: the first few months are when they need it most.

Pruning

• Shrubs that flowered in winter or early spring, as soon as flowering ends.
• Pinch out perennials and herbs so they grow more compact.
• Deadhead roses to make the flowering last longer.

Vegetables and fruit trees

Plant out tomatoes, peppers, aubergines and courgettes once there’s no risk of cold. Put in canes or stakes from day one. On citrus, watch for leaf miner: it makes silvery trails in the new leaves. Young olive and almond trees appreciate some extra water if April is dry.

Plants of the month

• Seasonal flowers for summer: verbenas, gazanias, portulacas, lantanas.
• Mediterranean perennials: salvias, Russian sage, gaura.
• Ornamental grasses: pennisetum, stipa.
• Succulents and cacti for dry corners.

Hedra’s tip

Plant now anything you want to get through the summer. A plant that goes in during April has two months to put down roots before July’s 35 °C arrives. If you wait until June, it will struggle and need a lot more water. If you’re looking for plants that can stand La Costera’s dry spells, we have a good selection at the garden centre this season.