Spring Gardening Jobs for March and April in the UK

As spring arrives, gardens begin to burst into life. March and April are busy months, with longer days and warmer temperatures providing the perfect opportunity to get stuck into essential gardening tasks. Whether you’re sowing seeds, pruning shrubs, or preparing your lawn, here’s what to focus on during these key months.

1. Sowing and Planting 🪴🌱

Spring is a prime time for sowing and planting, setting the foundation for a productive growing season.

Vegetables to Sow

Outdoors: Beetroot, carrots, parsnips, spinach, lettuce, radishes, peas, broad beans, and early potatoes.
Indoors (for later transplanting): Tomatoes, chillies, courgettes, squash, and cucumbers.

Flowers to Sow

Hardy annuals like cornflowers, calendula, and poppies can be sown directly outside.
Tender annuals such as cosmos and marigolds should be started indoors.
Perennials like delphiniums and lupins can be sown under cover.

Planting Summer-Flowering Bulbs

Dahlias, lilies, gladioli, and begonias should be planted in well-drained soil or pots.

2. Pruning and Tidying🍁🧑‍🌾

Cut Back Winter Growth

Remove dead or damaged stems from perennials to encourage fresh growth.
Cut back ornamental grasses before new shoots emerge.

Prune Shrubs and Trees

Spring-flowering shrubs (e.g., forsythia) should be pruned after flowering.
Roses – Prune bush and climbing roses to shape and encourage strong growth.
Fruit trees – Finish pruning apple and pear trees before new buds appear.

3. Lawn Care 🌱

Winter can take its toll on lawns, so spring is the perfect time to bring them back to life.

Mow the lawn – Start cutting grass on a high setting, lowering gradually over the weeks.
Scarify – Rake out moss and thatch to improve airflow.
Aerate – Spike compacted areas to improve drainage.
Feed and weed – Apply a spring lawn feed to encourage strong growth.

4. Weeding and Mulching✂️

As temperatures rise, weeds will quickly take hold. Stay on top of them early to prevent them from spreading.

Hand-weed borders before weeds become established.
Apply mulch (compost, bark, or well-rotted manure) around plants to suppress weeds and retain moisture.

5. Greenhouse and Seedling Care 🌱🫶

If you have a greenhouse or cold frame, now’s the time to prepare for a productive growing season.

Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions before planting.
Check ventilation to prevent overheating on warm days.
Repot young plants if they’re outgrowing their containers.

6. Supporting Wildlife 🦔🐦‍⬛🪺

Spring is a crucial time for wildlife, so take steps to make your garden a haven for birds, bees, and other beneficial creatures.

Top up bird feeders with energy-rich food.
Provide fresh water for birds and insects.
Plant nectar-rich flowers to support early pollinators.

7. General Maintenance 🧼🧹

Clean patios and paths – Remove moss and algae from paved areas.
Repair fences and trellises – Fix any damage caused by winter storms.
Check watering systems – Ensure hoses and irrigation systems are working ahead of drier months.

Final Thoughts 💬

March and April are exciting months in the garden, filled with new growth and possibilities. By tackling these essential tasks now, you’ll set your garden up for a vibrant and productive year ahead.

What’s on your spring gardening to-do list? Let us know in the comments!

Photo by Maria Tyutina on Pexels