Pond preparation
Make sure your pond is ready for summer by carrying out some maintenance jobs now.
Feed your big pond plants by putting slow-release fertiliser tablets well below soil level around the plant’s base. Waterlilies will want feeding and can also be divided if they show signs of growth. Now’s the time to tidy up any plants in the bog garden and add a mulch of composted bark. You can also cut back or divide bog garden and marginal plants now to avoid overcrowding. Make sure any vigorous pond perennials don’t take over by planting them in aquatic plant baskets, covering the compost with a layer of gravel.
Protect your crops
As the weather warms, your fruit and vegetable plants will be more susceptible to pests and diseases. Things to look out for now include: apple and pear scab, aphids, apple sucker, pear sucker, pear midge, caterpillars and powdery mildew.
Look out for red spider mite and aphids on strawberries under glass and also start treating for gooseberry mildew.
Art in the garden
RHS Garden Harlow Carr will be hosting Painting Partners exhibition from 17 to 29 April. The Bath House will be an artists’ studio for the two weeks, where Yorkshire artists Jane Redfern and Nikky Corker will work. There will also be the chance to purchase framed work along with prints, cards and other merchandise.
Spring blooms
Enjoy the best that spring has to offer when late daffodils and tulips fill the Glasshouse Gallery at RHS Garden Wisley for the RHS Late Daffodil and Tulip Competitions (29 – 30 April) Tue 12–5pm, Wed 10am – 5pm.
Listen to the latest RHS podcast
Listen to our latest podcast, where we offer seasonal information, you can hear tips on growing fruit and veg, and get up-to-the-minute help and advice.
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