April

Autumn is a time to prepare for the shorter days and longer nights and less growth in the garden. Get winter seedlings into the ground and fertilise existing herbs in the garden.

Special attention
As the summer crops vacate the ground, take the opportunity to trench or double-dig the ground to increase fertility.

Save any healthy vegetable matter for the compost heap, but burn or get rid of any that are diseased.

In the colder districts break a few leaves over the heads of maturing cauliflowers to protect from frost.

Continue the earthing-up of celery and leeks.

Trim off the lower leaves of Brussels sprouts, but leave the terminal tuft of leaves intact.

Where soil pests are prevalent this is a good season to treat the soil with organic soil treatment.

Sow
Plant broad beans now (plan Easter as broad bean planting time). In warm gardens plant leeks and turnips. Also sow spinach in warmer districts.

Sow cabbages and cauliflowers towards the end of the month to provide plants for spring.

If you live in the north, sow pea seeds now. Note though, they will handle a warm winter better than a hot dry summer.

Transplant
Transplant stem cuttings taken from hyssop and lemon balm.
Divide root clumps of tarragon, yarrow and horseradish. Take root cuttings of horseradish in the spring.
Plant out seedlings of broad beans, beetroot, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, corn, salad leaves, lettuce, onions and parsley from last month’s sowings.

Fertilise
Feed the asparagus beds with compost, animal manure, seaweed and Tui General Fertiliser.

Harvest
Gather the pumpkins and marrows, and dry well in the sun before storing away. In frosty districts the root crops can be lifted and stored.