Gardeners' notes - jobs to do in April

Plant dahlias

Dahlia tubers can be planted up now to start them into growth.  The safest way to do this to avoid damage from slugs or late frosts is to pop them into large (3 litres approx) pots with multi-purpose compost, then water and leave them in a sheltered position or greenhouse. 

Shoots will begin to appear in 2-3 weeks; once they’ve developed a few pairs of leaves, pinch out the tips to encourage bushy growth and more flowers.  After all risk of frost has passed, they can be hardened off and planted out in the garden or potted up into display pots. 

Dahlias like a warm and sunny position and rich, well-drained soil; regular feeding will also help with flower production.

Sow carrots

For sweet, crunchy goodness from the garden, it’s hard to beat carrots.  Grow them in a sunny bed or a container in fine, well-drained soil.

Make a shallow drill and sow the seeds along this line.  Make sure you sow sparingly, as too many seedlings require thinning out and the scent that’s released when they’re pulled can attract carrot fly, which will damage your crop.  Cover with soil and keep the seedbed evenly watered.

Although carrots can be slow to germinate, once they’re growing you can harvest them within a couple of months - pull them when they’ve reached a size you’re happy with.

Some of the most reliable varieties to grow include ‘Early Nantes’, ‘Flyaway’ and ‘Deep Purple’.

Plant up hanging baskets 

Hanging baskets bring colour to eye level around your garden - they’re welcoming at the front door, and will brighten up fences and walls.  It’s another way to introduce more pollinator-friendly plants to your plot too.

Choose baskets at least 14 inches wide - larger baskets hold more compost and won’t dry out quite as quickly.  It can be helpful to blend in water-retaining crystals and slow-release fertiliser for balanced nutrition and strong flowering.

Line the basket with wool, hessian or conifer clippings for a natural look, and choose a mix of plants for a full display: for example, lavender or scabious make a good central plant, around which you could plant pansies, marigolds or sweet alyssum.  Use trailing plants around the edges, such as ivy, nasturtium, sweet pea or lobelia.

Water regularly and thoroughly, especially in warm or windy weather; deadheading and feeding will keep the blooms coming throughout the season.