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April Seed Sowing Guide
Flowers
April is a great time to start growing flowers from seed. Some popular choices include:
- Perennials: Gaura, aquilegia, and echinacea
- Hardy annuals: Sunflowers and pot marigold
- Half-hardy annuals: Cosmos, zinnia, and tithonia
Tithonia, also known as Mexican sunflower, is a vibrant annual that attracts pollinators with its dahlia-like flowers. Nicotiana, or tobacco plant, is another popular choice for its fragrant blooms that add a touch of elegance to summer evenings.
Vegetables
April is also a good time to start growing vegetables from seed. Some easy-to-grow options include:
- Squash: Choose from summer squash like ‘Custard White’ or winter squash like ‘Crown Prince’.
- Radishes: These speedy croppers are ready to harvest in as little as four weeks.
- Dwarf French beans: These compact varieties don’t need support and can even be grown in containers.
- Beetroot: A nutritious root vegetable that is easy to grow from seed.
- Carrot: Another root vegetable that is perfect for beginner gardeners.
Tips for April Seed Sowing
To ensure successful seed sowing in April, follow these tips:
- Wait until the soil has warmed: Hold off on sowing seeds outdoors until the soil has warmed sufficiently for weeds to start to appear.
- Use raised beds or cloches: These can help to protect seedlings from cold temperatures and frosts.
- Sow some seeds indoors and some outdoors: This provides a backup in case of adverse weather conditions.
- Protect seedlings from pests: Raising seedlings under cover can help to protect them from slugs and snails.
By following these tips, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of flowers and vegetables from your April seed sowing.
