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Transform your garden in April with these essential activities

April is finally here and it's the perfect time to get back to work in your garden. With the return of the warm weather, there are plenty of must-do activities to make your outdoor space a true haven of peace.

Whether you're an experienced gardener or a beginner, here are some ideas for must-do activities to do this month: soil preparation, planting vegetables and flowers, lawn care and more. In this article, we'll explore these different activities that will help you enjoy your garden this spring.

Preparing the soil for spring planting

In April, the garden begins to wake up after winter and it's time to prepare the soil for spring planting and sowing. Here are some key steps to follow for a successful vegetable garden:

Step 1: Clean up the weeds

Before you begin any planting, it's important to clean the soil of weeds that have grown over the winter. Use a hoe or rake to remove any weeds and other plant debris that may prevent your plants from growing properly.

Step 2: Aerate the soil

After cleaning your garden, you can aerate the soil using a spade fork or light tiller. This will allow the roots of the plants to have enough oxygen and will also help the nutrients to penetrate the soil.

Step 3: Add compost or manure

To enrich your soil before planting, add well-decomposed compost or manure to the entire vegetable garden area. This will provide the plants with all the nutrients they need to grow.

Step 4: Level the soil

Once you've added your compost or manure, carefully level the entire surface with a rake so that everything is even. Seedlings will be easier to plant if you work on a flat surface.

By following these simple steps, you are ready to plant your spring seedlings and plantings in healthy, fertile soil.

Prune summer flowering shrubs

In April, it's time to start pruning summer-blooming shrubs to ensure a beautiful bloom. Here are some tips for doing it right:

  • Wait until after the frosts: It is important to wait until the risk of frost is over before pruning your shrubs. Indeed, premature pruning could damage the young shoots.
  • Remove dead wood: Start by removing all dead and damaged branches to encourage the growth of healthy branches.
  • Thin out the inside of the bush: To allow for better air circulation and promote light penetration, also remove branches that cross or point toward the inside of the bush.
  • Prune after flowering: To avoid compromising the flowering of species with flowers on old wood (such as lilac), it is best to wait until they have flowered before pruning.
  • Use proper tools: Always use sharp, disinfected pruning shears to avoid spreading disease among your plants.

By following these few simple steps, you'll have everything you need to successfully prune your summer flowering shrubs in April!

Sow vegetables such as carrots, lettuce and radishes

April marks the beginning of the planting season in the garden. This is the perfect time to plant vegetables such as carrots, lettuce and radishes.

Carrots

Carrots are easy to grow and can be sown directly in the ground as soon as the soil is sufficiently warm. It is important to prepare the soil beforehand by aerating it and enriching it with compost or well decomposed manure. The seeds should be sown about one centimeter deep, spaced about two centimeters apart.

It is also possible to plant carrots in planters or deep pots if you do not have enough space in your garden. In this case, be sure to use a nutrient-rich, well-draining substrate.

Lettuce

Lettuce can be planted throughout the year, but it prefers the cooler temperatures of spring and fall. It can be grown directly in the ground or in planters on a balcony or terrace.

For a successful culture, it is important to use a soil rich in organic matter and well draining. Seeds should be sown superficially (barely covered) every five centimeters or so.

Radishes

Radishes are also very easy to grow and grow quickly. They can be sown directly in the ground as soon as the soil is warm enough (about 10°C). The seeds should be sown at a depth of about one centimeter and spaced a few centimeters apart.

It is also possible to sow radishes in planters or pots if you do not have enough space in your garden. In this case, it is important to use a nutrient-rich, well-draining substrate.

In conclusion, April is the perfect time to plant vegetables such as carrots, lettuce and radishes. By following these simple tips, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest all summer long.

Plant summer flower bulbs such as dahlias or gladiolas

April marks the beginning of the planting season for many summer flowers. Dahlias and gladioli bulbs are two popular examples that can be planted now.

Choosing the right location

Before planting your bulbs, it's important to choose a suitable spot in your garden. Dahlias prefer sunny spots with well-drained soil, while gladiolas need a little more shade to thrive. Also, make sure the soil is well prepared by adding compost or manure to improve soil quality.

Preparing and planting bulbs

Once you've chosen the ideal location, you can begin preparing the ground for planting the bulbs. Dig holes deep enough to accommodate the bulbs – about 10 centimeters for dahlias and 15 centimeters for gladiolas – and add an extra layer of compost or organic fertilizer to the bottom of the holes.

Then place your bulbs in the hole with their tips up (roots down) before gently covering with soil. Don't forget to water generously after planting your bulbs.

Caring for your flowers

After planting your dahlias or gladiolas, it's important to care for them regularly throughout the spring and summer. Water them regularly (about once a week) and add fertilizer every month to encourage healthy growth.

In summary, planting summer flower bulbs such as dahlias or gladiolas is a great activity to do in April to prepare your garden for the warm season. With a little care and regular maintenance, you can enjoy beautiful flowers all summer long.

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