Now is the time when the garden is waking up, the days feel longer and you suddenly feel like you should be doing something outside, even if you’re not totally sure what. If you’re a beginner gardener, now is usually the point where doubt creeps in and you ask yourself have you left planting things too late or is it still too early? The end of April is actually a perfect time to start planting in a UK garden. You just need to pick the right things and keep them simple.
If you’re new to growing veg, April is actually a great place to start. A lot of vegetables like cooler weather and don’t need perfect conditions to get going.
Potatoes!
If you haven’t planted potatoes yet, you’re not too late. Late April is fine. They’re one of the most forgiving things that you can grow. You can plant them straight into the ground or even into bags or tubs if you are short on space. They don’t need special soil, just dig a trench, pop them in, cover them up and you’re done.
Carrots!
Carrots are perfect to plant at the end of April. They like cooler temperatures and actually do better when they’re not rushed. Plant them directly into the ground or into deep pots. The thing with carrots is not to disturb them too much. Just plant them, water and leave them be.
Beetroot!
Beetroot is another one that doesn't mind the cooler weather and grows easily from a seed. You can plant beetroot straight outside now and keep sowing every few weeks for a steady supply. They don’t need much attention, they grow quickly and you can eat both the root and the leaves.
Lettuce and salad leaves!
If you want quick results, salad leaves are perfect. Lettuce, rocket, spinach and mixed salad seeds can all be sown at the end of April. They grow fast, don’t need loads of space and are great in pots or containers. Plus, you can just pick what you need and leave the rest growing.
Strawberries!
If you only grow one fruit, make it strawberries. They’re perfect for end of April planting and are very forgiving. You can plant them in pots, hanging baskets, grow bags and raised beds. They don’t need loads of space and they start rewarding you pretty quickly, which always helps motivation. Plant them now, keep them watered and by early summer you’ll be enjoying them as dessert.
Blueberries!
Blueberries are great in pots, which makes them perfect for beginners. Plant them in a pot, keep them watered and they’ll be quite happy. They also look nice, so they earn their keep even before fruiting.
Apple and pear trees!
If you’ve got the space, late April is fine for planting container-grown fruit trees. You don’t need a massive orchard. There are plenty of smaller trees or patio varieties that do well in pots. Once planted, they just quietly get on with growing while you feel very proud every time you look at them. They won’t give you fruit straight away but it's worth the wait!
Parsley!
Parsley takes it's time to germinate, so don’t panic if nothing seems to be happening. Sow it now and forget about it for a bit. It’s hardy, survives cool weather and once it gets going, it just keeps giving.
Chives!
Chives are basically indestructible. You can plant them in the ground or in a pot and they’ll come back year after year. They don’t need special treatment and are one of those plants that make you feel like you know what you’re doing, even if you don’t.
Mint!
Mint is easy. Too easy. It will grow pretty much anywhere and take over if you let it. If you’re a beginner, keep mint in a pot. Plant it now and enjoy but don’t let it loose in your borders unless you want mint everywhere.
Flowers are where gardening gets really fun, especially when you’re starting out. Seeing things bloom feels like magic, even if you barely did anything.
Hardy annuals from seed!
Annual flowers can be sown directly outside at the end of April. These are flowers that don’t mind cooler temperatures and will happily grow where you put them. Good beginner choices include: Sweet peas, Cornflowers, Calendula and Nigella! They’re easy, forgiving and don’t mind if you mess up a bit. Scatter the seeds, cover lightly, water and see what happens.
Bedding plants!
You’ll see loads of bedding plants in garden centres by late April and it’s tempting to buy everything! You can plant them out now but be prepared to protect them if there’s a late frost. If you’re unsure, keep them in pots near the house or somewhere sheltered for another couple of weeks.
Perennials!
Perennials are plants that come back year after year and it feels like a bargain once you realise you only have to plant them once. Late April is a good time to plant perennials like Lavender, Hardy geraniums, Lupins and Echinacea. They’ll settle in over spring and summer and reward you later on.
A few beginner tips before you get planting!
You don’t need to do everything perfectly. Gardening is very forgiving, despite what Instagram might suggest.
Don’t overwater. Most plants hate sitting in soggy soil.
Read the seed packet but don’t stress about it.
Start small. You don’t need to plant everything at once.
Expect a few failures. Everyone has them, even experienced gardeners.
The end of April is about getting going, not getting it all right.
So if you’re at that end of April stage where the garden is calling your name but you’re not quite sure where to begin, this is your sign to just start. You don’t need to do everything at once and you definitely don’t need to know all the rules. A few seeds, a couple of pots and a bit of time outside is more than enough.
Are you planting anything this year?
