april-Vegetables

Gardeners Diary for the Month of

APRIL

Vegetables

Sow Asparagus seed
Continue to sow Lettuce, Radish, Carrots and Peas.
It is probably a bit early to sow French beans but if the weather is mild try sowing a few under cloches for an early crop
Sow Beetroot for an early crop.
Most Brassicas ( Cabbage, Broccoli, Kale ) can now be sown.
Continue to plant chitted potatoes.
Sow Salsify and Scorzonera.
Earth up any Potatoes that are beginning to come through.
Put up supports for Runner beans over the previously prepared trenches.
Continue hoeing all beds to prevent weeds.
Most hardy vegetable seeds can be sown now.
Plant out chitted potatoes if the weather is mild and the ground is not waterlogged.
Plant Asparagus crowns in the bed prepared previously.
Brussels Sprouts sown earlier in the frame or greenhouse can be transplanted to open ground. Ensure that the soil is firmed well after planting.
Sprouting Broccoli should now be ready for picking. Pick regularly to ensure continued growth of new shoots.
Complete the planting of early Potatoes and start to plant Maincrop.
Thin out early vegetables sown under cloches.
Plant out seedlings of Broad beans and peas that have previously been hardened off.
Sow Parsley for summer use.
Continue to pollinate peaches if required.
Thin out Parsnip that were sown last month.
Hoe any seed beds to ensure that no weeds appear to suffocate the seedlings and to ensure the soil is aerated.
Erect protection (or use fleece) around Carrots against Carrot Fly
Plant final maincrop Potatoes.
Prepare trenches for Runner Beans by incorporating plenty of manure or compost.
Transplant Onions that were sown in the greenhouse in December to their final positions.