Gardening Tips for April: Embracing the Start of the Growing Season

Want the good news? The last of those winter frosts are (very nearly) over by April, which means the growing season can finally begin! The bad news? Those pesky weeds are back with a vengeance. 

April is a fantastic time to get out in the garden, make the most of that extra hour of daylight, and take full advantage of the four-day Easter weekend. Whether you’re growing vegetables, planting flowers, or tending to your lawn, there’s plenty to do this month. And if you’re looking to give your soil health a boost, integrating biochar into your garden planning and routine is a great idea.

What Can Be Done in the Garden with Biochar in April 

Transplanting Warm-Season Crops 

By the end of April, it’s time to transplant warm-season crops like tomatoes and peppers outside. Before planting, mix biochar into your garden beds to create a nutrient-rich environment that helps young plants establish strong roots. Biochar’s porous structure enhances soil aeration and ensures consistent access to moisture, helping to reduce transplant shock.

Preparing Flower Beds for Perennials and Bulbs 

April is an ideal time to plant perennials like hostas, daylilies, and peonies, as well as summer-flowering bulbs such as dahlias and gladiolus. Mixing biochar with compost before adding it to planting holes will help retain nutrients and improve soil structure, ensuring long-lasting plant health. 

Direct Sowing Seeds 

Vegetables like carrots, radishes, beetroot, spinach, and peas thrive when sown directly into the garden this month. Annual flowers such as zinnias and marigolds can also be sown now. To improve germination rates and root development, blend biochar into the soil. It acts as a nutrient reservoir, slowly releasing essential elements as your plants grow.

Enhancing Soil Fertility 

Apply compost or an organic fertiliser to your vegetable and flower beds this month. Biochar works especially well when blended with compost, helping to store nutrients and make them available to plants over a longer period. If you’re top- or side-dressing established plants, mix biochar into the topsoil to enhance nutrient uptake. 

Lawn Care and Overseeding 

Rake up debris, aerate your lawn, and apply a balanced fertiliser to encourage new growth. If overseeding bare patches, mix a thin layer of biochar with compost before spreading it over your lawn. This combination helps retain moisture, supports seed germination, and improves overall soil aeration.

Other Jobs to Do in the Garden in April 

Weeding & Mulching 

Weeds start growing aggressively in April, so stay on top of them early. Applying a layer of mulch will help suppress new weeds and retain soil moisture. 

Pruning & Tidying 

Trim back any dead or damaged growth on shrubs and perennials. If you haven’t already pruned your roses, do it now or, hold tight and wait until your spring flowers have bloomed before cutting back.

Feeding Plants 

Apply a balanced fertiliser to give your garden a nutrient boost, particularly for flowering and fruiting plants. 

Pest & Disease Checks 

Warmer temperatures mean pests are becoming more active. Keep an eye out for aphids, slugs, and snails, and act early to prevent infestations. 

Applying biochar in April sets the foundation for a productive growing season. By incorporating it into your garden now, you’ll: 

- Boost nutrient availability, ensuring plants grow stronger and healthier.

If you do one thing this month, mix biochar into your soil before planting—it’s a simple step that will pay off with healthier plants and improved yields all season long. 

So, grab your gardening gloves, embrace the warmer weather, and start prepping your garden for a fantastic growing season!