Organic Gardening in April

More info from www.hdra.org.uk

Seed potatoes should be sown by the end of April. Early varieties such as Charlotte can go in earlier in the month since these have more resistance to the frost than late varieties. An old sayings tells us to "plant early potatoes late and late potatoes early".
Fruit trees may need protection from frosts to protect their blossom. Bush fruits and pears are likely to be in flower now, and if you have grown a dwarf variety then protecting them will be relatively easy. Listen to the weather forecast.
Beware of greenfly, caterpillars, scab and mildew on fruit trees and bushes. Take a close look at your plants every few days.
There are many vegetables which can be planted straight into the soil now, including beetroot, broad beans, summer cabbage, calabrese, carrots, cauliflower, leeks, lettuce, spring onions, peas, rocket, spinach and Swiss chard.
Later in April, French beans, broccoli, kale and parsnips can be sown directly into the soil.
Sow basil, French beans, parsley, sweetcorn and outdoor tomatoes in pots or trays and keep these indoors until the risk of frost has passed.

Last Modified 3/17/05 2:33 PM