Tips for April

Trim back shrubs that have flowered over the late winter, eg jasminum nudiflorum, removing the flowered shoots to keep the shrub within its boundaries.

Prune back hardy fuchsias to 2 or 3 buds from their base.

Clean patio slabs and stonework to remove alge etc.

Keep hoeing when the weather is warm and breezy to remove small weeds.

Sow carrot, beetroot and other early crops at two week intervals, for a longer harvest.

Earth up early potatoes to protect the tubers from the light.