Spring has finally arrived in the UK, which means it’s time to get out into your garden. The difficult part is knowing which seeds to start planting.
If you want your garden to be in full bloom by summer, there are some plants that you need to get a head-start on now. While certain flowers will grow within just a few weeks, others will take longer, meaning you may be left with a bare patch in your garden once outdoor dinner party season starts.
Gardening expert Fiona Jenkins from My Job Quote has shared seven seeds you should plant in April:
Native to the Eurasian region, asters actually get their name from the Ancient Greek word for ‘star’. Unsurprisingly, their thin, bright purple petals resemble night-time stars – making them rather ethereal in appearance.
Fiona advises that early spring is the best time to start growing these delicate flowers. She says, “They are best placed in full sunlight and in rich, fertile soil that will hold plenty of moisture through the spring and summer months.”
Basil is one of the most-used herbs, as it adds a delicious fresh taste to a wide variety of dishes. It goes particularly well with tomatoes, so fans of bruschetta or pasta sauces will definitely want to give growing this fragrant plant a go.
Since it thrives in warmer conditions, it’s important to wait until the last of the frosty weather has lifted before planting. According to Fiona: “Sow seeds in a sheltered, warm, and sunny area with plenty of free-draining soil or in a container of multi-purpose compost.”
Another well-loved vegetable, beetroot can be enjoyed in a range of salads as well as on its own. Even better, the crop doesn’t take up much room, making it perfect for smaller gardens.
Fiona suggests sowing small batches throughout spring and summer to have a continuous supply of the vegetable. Although she warns gardeners to take care to water the seedlings throughout any dry spells.
Rich in vitamin A, carrots are a popular vegetable to cultivate. Fiona recommends sowing them directly outdoors in small patches. You should also keep them under an insect-proof mesh to stop them from being nibbled away.
Few flowers bring to mind summer quite like the cornflower. Beloved for their bright blue petals, these surprisingly hardy wildflowers thrive in the unpredictable UK climate.
Fiona advises that they should be grown directly in the sun and in well-drained soil, with the seeds sown directly into weed-free garden beds or pots. She adds, “Once seedlings have formed and been thinned out, little further care is needed aside from deadheading the resulting flowers to encourage more blooms.”
With their vibrant orange and yellow flowers, marigolds make for a cheerful summer plant. Even better, they are relatively low maintenance and can be grown from seed.
Usually, the weather will be warm enough to begin planting them outside in April. Fiona recommends, “Sow seeds in a weed-free bed in a sheltered sunny site, pressing them into soil and watering with a fine spray.”
One of the best plants to grow for beginners, peas can be incorporated into most of your meals. Even better, they respond well to cool conditions, meaning you don’t have to worry too much about the forecast.
According to Fiona, you can plant them either indoors or outdoors. Either way, they should have access to direct sunlight and well-drained soil.
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