April in the Garden
April is a busy, changeable month: warm sunshine can be followed by cold rain, hail or an overnight frost. Growth accelerates in lawns, borders and vegetable beds, and weeds do too. Most gardens are now active, with regular sowing and planting underway. Keep a close eye on forecasts, because late frosts remain a real risk across much of the UK, especially in exposed places.
What to sow & plant in April
Plant maincrop potatoes in prepared ground and continue planting first earlies where needed. Sow beetroot, carrots, parsnips, peas, lettuce, spinach, spring onions and brassicas outdoors in short succession. Sow courgettes, squashes, sweetcorn, French beans and runner beans in module trays under cover for planting out after frost risk has passed. Prick out earlier tomato and brassica seedlings, and pot on plants before they become root-bound. Plant onion sets, leeks and hardy herbs. In a greenhouse, sow basil and cucumbers if you can maintain warmth.
Garden jobs for April
Harden off plants gradually by giving them sheltered outdoor time, then bringing them under cover on cold nights. Earth up potatoes as shoots grow, protecting them with soil or fleece if frost threatens. Weed beds while seedlings are small and mulch bare soil once it has warmed. Tie in climbing roses and train fruit against supports. Mow regularly, raising the cutting height if conditions are dry. Check greenhouse watering and ventilation daily, as sunny days can quickly overheat seedlings. Put supports in place for peas and beans before planting.
Northern England & Scotland
In northern England and Scotland, late frosts and cold soil may push outdoor sowing and potato planting back by several weeks. Raise courgettes, beans and sweetcorn under cover, but keep them compact and do not plant out early. Use fleece on carrots, peas and potatoes during cold spells. Harden off all greenhouse-raised plants more slowly, especially on windy allotments.
Southern England
Southern gardens may manage a wider range of direct sowings early in April, and potatoes often establish promptly in warm, light soil. Tender crops should still remain under cover until frost risk has eased, particularly inland. Keep watering new sowings in dry weather and use cloches to encourage salads. Succession sowing gives a steadier harvest than one large planting.
Gardening in April: frequently asked questions
What can I sow or plant in April in the UK?
Plant maincrop potatoes in prepared ground and continue planting first earlies where needed.
What garden jobs are there in April?
Harden off plants gradually by giving them sheltered outdoor time, then bringing them under cover on cold nights.
What is different in northern Britain in April?
In northern England and Scotland, late frosts and cold soil may push outdoor sowing and potato planting back by several weeks.
Timing varies with the season and your local conditions; the RHS or a local garden centre can advise. Page updated 19 Sep 2026.