Introduction
As April arrives, gardeners eagerly await the warmer weather and longer days, signalling the perfect time to dive into planting. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting, April presents abundant opportunities to enrich your garden with vibrant blooms, delicious fruits, and nutritious vegetables. In this guide, we’ll explore what to plant in April, highlighting a variety of options from perennials and bulbs to fruits and vegetables, ensuring a colourful and fruitful season ahead.
What to Plant in April: Top Perennials
Lavender
Lavender is a quintessential perennial known for its fragrant blooms and resilience in sunny conditions. When considering what to plant in April, lavender should be at the top of your list! Planting lavender in April will allow it to establish robust roots before the summer heat, making it an ideal choice for gardeners looking to add both beauty and functionality to their landscape. Its aromatic flowers not only attract pollinators but also provide a soothing scent for outdoor relaxation areas, making it a must-have plant for any April planting list.
Salvia
Salvia, with its striking spikes of blue, purple, or red flowers, is a standout perennial that thrives in April planting. These hardy plants are not only visually appealing but also beneficial for attracting essential pollinators like bees and butterflies to the garden. By adding salvia to your garden in April, you’ll ensure a vibrant burst of colour throughout the growing season, enhancing the overall beauty and biodiversity of your outdoor space.
Coreopsis
Coreopsis, also known as tickseed, is a charming perennial that adds a cheerful touch to any garden. Its bright yellow, orange, or red daisy-like flowers are perfect for adding a splash of colour to borders, rock gardens, or containers. By planting coreopsis in April, you’ll give these low-maintenance perennials ample time to establish strong roots, setting the stage for a season-long display of vibrant blooms that will continue to delight year after year.
Peony
When considering what to plant in April, Peonies should not be ignored. Peonies are beloved for their large, showy flowers and intoxicating fragrance, making them a must-have addition to any garden. Planting peony roots in April allows them to settle in and establish before the arrival of summer, ensuring a spectacular floral display in the seasons to come. With their timeless beauty and long-lasting blooms, peonies are a classic choice for gardeners looking to create a stunning focal point in their landscape.
Coneflower
Coneflowers are not only visually stunning but also valuable for their ability to attract pollinators and beneficial insects to the garden. These drought-tolerant perennials come in an array of colours, including shades of purple, pink, and white, adding vertical interest to flower beds and borders. Planting coneflowers in April allows them to develop strong root systems, ensuring they can withstand the challenges of the summer months and continue to grace your garden with their vibrant blooms for years to come.
What to Plant in April: Top Bulbs
Dahlias
Dahlias are prized for their stunning blooms, which come in a wide range of colours, shapes, and sizes. Planting dahlia tubers in April allows them to establish roots before the growing season, resulting in bigger and more prolific flowers. These versatile bulbs are perfect for adding vibrant splashes of colour to flower beds, borders, or containers. Whether you prefer bold and dramatic hues or soft pastel shades, dahlias offer endless possibilities for creating eye-catching displays in your garden. Don’t miss out on planting these beauties in April to ensure a spectacular show of blooms throughout the summer months.
Gladiolus
Gladiolus can be an exceptional choice when considering what to plant in April. Gladiolus bulbs produce tall spikes of colourful flowers, making them ideal for adding vertical interest to the garden. Planting gladiolus corms in April ensures a summer full of vibrant blooms that can be enjoyed both indoors and out. These versatile bulbs come in a variety of colours, ranging from bold and bright to soft and subtle, allowing you to create stunning floral arrangements or focal points in your garden beds. Whether planted in mass or mixed with other summer blooms, gladiolus bulbs are a must-have for any garden enthusiast looking to add height and elegance to their outdoor space.
Freesia
Freesias are known for their sweet fragrance and delicate, funnel-shaped flowers. These easy-to-grow bulbs thrive in sunny, well-drained locations and make excellent additions to flower beds, borders, or containers. Planting freesia bulbs in April ensures a summer filled with the intoxicating scent of these beautiful blooms. With their wide range of colours and compact growth habit, freesias are perfect for adding charm and elegance to any garden. Whether planted in clusters or mixed with other summer flowers, freesias are sure to delight the senses and bring joy to your outdoor space.
Alliums
Allium bulbs, also known as ornamental onions, add drama and structure to the garden with their globe-shaped flower heads. Planting allium bulbs in April ensures a stunning display of blooms in late spring and early summer, attracting pollinators and adding visual interest to the landscape. These architectural bulbs come in a variety of sizes and colours, ranging from small and delicate to large and bold. Whether planted in formal beds or naturalised in meadow-like settings, alliums make a striking statement in any garden. Don’t miss the opportunity to plant these unique bulbs in April and enjoy their spectacular blooms in the months to come.
Crocus
Crocuses are among the first bulbs to bloom in spring, offering a welcome burst of colour after the winter months. These small but mighty bulbs are perfect for naturalising in lawns, rock gardens, or woodland areas, providing an early food source for bees and other pollinators. Planting crocus bulbs in April ensures a cheerful display of flowers that signals the arrival of spring. With their vibrant hues of purple, yellow, and white, crocuses add instant charm and beauty to any garden. Whether planted in mass or scattered throughout the landscape, crocuses are a delightful addition to your spring garden.
What to Plant in April: Top Fruit
Strawberries
Strawberries are beloved for their sweet, juicy fruits and ease of cultivation, making them a popular choice for home gardeners. Planting strawberry runners or crowns in April is ideal, as it gives them ample time to establish roots before the summer heat sets in. By planting strawberries in April, you’ll ensure a bountiful harvest of delicious berries later in the season, providing a tasty treat for you and your family to enjoy.
Raspberries
Raspberries are prized for their flavourful berries and vigorous growth habit, making them a valuable addition to any garden. Planting raspberry canes in April allows them to establish strong root systems and develop healthy foliage, setting the stage for a plentiful crop of fruit in the summer months. By adding raspberries to your garden in April, you’ll enjoy a steady supply of fresh berries for snacking, baking, and preserving throughout the season.
Currants
When thinking about what to plant in April, Currants should be considered for a year-round bounty! Currants are versatile fruit bushes that produce clusters of tart, flavourful berries, perfect for jams, jellies, and desserts. Planting currant bushes in April allows them to settle in and establish strong root systems before the heat of summer arrives. By adding currants to your garden in April, you’ll enjoy a steady supply of fresh berries throughout the summer months, providing a tasty addition to your culinary creations.
Apple Trees
Apple trees are a classic orchard staple, prized for their delicious fruit and ornamental value. Planting apple trees in April allows them to establish robust root systems and begin producing fruit within a few years. By planting apple trees in April, you’ll set the stage for a bountiful harvest of crisp, flavourful apples in the years to come, providing a nutritious and versatile ingredient for a variety of culinary delights.
Blueberries
Blueberries are not only delicious but also packed with antioxidants and other health benefits, making them a nutritious addition to your garden. Planting blueberry bushes in April gives them time to establish roots and acclimate to their new environment before the onset of summer. By planting blueberries in April, you’ll ensure a reliable harvest of plump, flavourful berries in the years to come, provided they receive proper soil acidity and care.
What to Plant in April: Top Vegetables
Lettuce
Lettuce is a cool-season vegetable that thrives in the mild temperatures of spring. Planting lettuce seeds or seedlings in April allows for a continuous harvest of fresh, crisp greens throughout the season, providing a nutritious addition to salads and sandwiches. With proper moisture and protection from heat, lettuce can flourish in the spring garden, making it an excellent choice for planting in April.
Spinach
Spinach is another cool-season crop that performs exceptionally well in the spring garden. Planting spinach seeds or transplants in April ensures a steady supply of nutrient-rich leaves for salads, smoothies, and cooked dishes. With fertile, well-drained soil and consistent moisture, spinach can thrive in the spring garden, offering a delicious and healthy addition to your meals.
Radishes
Radishes are quick-growing vegetables that are perfect for beginners who are considering what to plant in April. Planting radish seeds in April ensures a fast and easy harvest of crunchy, peppery roots within a few weeks. With plenty of sunlight and regular watering, radishes can thrive in the spring garden, adding a zesty kick to salads and vegetable dishes.
Peas
Peas are a beloved cool-season crop that thrives in the spring garden. Planting pea seeds or seedlings in April allows them to climb and produce sweet, tender pods before the summer heat sets in. With proper support for climbing and regular watering, peas can flourish in the spring garden, offering a delicious and nutritious addition to your meals.
Carrots
Carrots are versatile root vegetables that can be grown successfully in the spring garden. Planting carrot seeds in April allows them to develop sweet, flavourful roots over the growing season. Loose, sandy soil and consistent moisture are essential for carrot growth, making April an ideal time to sow seeds and ensure a bountiful harvest of crunchy, homegrown carrots.
How NGS Can Help with What to Plant in April
At NGS, we understand the importance of selecting the right plants for your garden to ensure a successful and rewarding growing season. Our expert team can provide personalised advice and tailored planting schemes to help you create a garden that’s not only beautiful but also seasonally fit for purpose. Whether you’re looking to add colour to your borders, attract pollinators, or grow your own fruits and vegetables, we’re here to support you every step of the way. To find out more about the services we offer send us a message via our Contact Us page!
Conclusion
It is important to consider all of the available options when thinking about what to plant in April. It is an exciting time in the garden, full of promise and potential. By planting a diverse selection of perennials, bulbs, fruits, and vegetables this April, you can create a vibrant and productive garden that delights the senses and nourishes the soul. Whether you’re a novice gardener or a seasoned pro, there’s always something new to discover and enjoy in the garden. So roll up your sleeves, dig in the dirt, and let the beauty of spring unfold in your garden this April.
