The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and our gardens are filled with beautiful bees and butterflies – Spring is finally here!
By April, seed-sowing should be in full swing across the UK, but what exactly should we be planting?
Below, gardening expert Fiona Jenkins at MyJobQuote.co.uk explains everything you need to know. Here are some top seeds to sow this month for bountiful summer blooms and harvests!
Aster
Aster is a genus of perennial flowering plants which are almost exclusive to the Eurasian region. The name Aster comes from the Ancient Greek word for ‘star’, referring to their beautiful starry shaped flower heads. They range in colour from white to blue to purple and bring a stunning, colourful bloom to any garden.
Early spring is the ideal time to plant asters as it gives them the best part of a growing season to establish before they flower. 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
Basil is an annual herb of the mint family, grown for its aromatic leaves. It is widely grown as a kitchen herb with its leaves being used fresh or dried to flavour a variety of meats, fish, salads, and sauces or to create basil tea. The plant is extremely frost-sensitive and grows best in warm climates.
Basil can be sown outdoors once the temperatures begin to warm up and the risk of frost has passed. Sow seeds in a sheltered, warm, and sunny area with plenty of free-draining soil or in a container of multi-purpose compost. Basil seeds can be sown indoors if temperatures are too low before planting outside in late spring/early summer.
Beetroot
The beetroot is a root vegetable which can be eaten raw, roasted, steamed, or boiled. These sweet, colourful and nutritious roots are full of vitamins, minerals and other beneficial compounds. The green, leafy portion of the plant is also edible, with young leaves becoming a popular choice in raw salads.
Beetroot is a popular and easy-to-grow crop which takes up very little room so is ideal for growing in smaller spaces. Sow small batches regularly from spring through to mid-summer for continuous harvests up to mid-autumn. Ensure that you water seedlings regularly during dry spells, until they are well rooted and growing strongly.
Carrot
Carrots are root vegetables which are typically orange in colour due to the presence of beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A. However they can be found in other colour varieties including purple, red, white, and yellow. The plant is native to Europe and Southwestern Asia and commonly cultivated for culinary purposes.
Carrots should be sown directly outdoors, as transplanting can disturb the roots and lead to forked or distorted carrots. The main sowing season for these vegetables is from April to early July, and it is a good idea to sow small batches every three to four weeks for continuous harvests. The crop is best grown under an insect-proof mesh to keep away carrot flies, slugs, and snails.
Cornflower
Cornflower is an easily grown, hardy annual wildflower that blooms in the summer and bears a mass of beautiful, ruffled flowers. It was introduced to the UK from the Mediterranean thousands of years ago and is now considered a ‘naturalised’ plant. It is a very popular plant for attracting pollinators to gardens and is sold in a range of wildflower mixes.
Cornflower plants are best grown in sun and well-drained soil, with the seeds sown directly into weed-free ground or pots during spring. Once seedlings have formed and been thinned out, little further care is needed aside from deadheading the resulting flowers to encourage more blooms.
French Marigold
French Marigolds are popular annual flowers native to Mexico and Central America but widely cultivated in the UK. They feature double, semi-double or crested ray flowers in a mix of colours ranging from reds to oranges to yellows. These low-maintenance plants are easily grown from seed and are readily available at garden centres and nurseries.
French Marigolds are annuals which can be sown in a heated propagator from February to March, or directly outside in April to May. Sow seeds in a weed-free bed in a sheltered sunny site, pressing them into soil and watering with a fine spray. Germination generally takes around 5-14 days.
Pea
Peas are a great beginner crop to grow, with climbing and dwarf varieties taking up little ground space. If you sow several batches, you can expect harvests of sweet, delicious home-grown peas throughout the summer. By choosing different types and varieties, you can harvest peas from June through to October.
Peas are easy to grow from seed in spring and early summer, either directly outdoors or indoors for an early start. When planting outside, choose a sunny and sheltered growing site with well-drained soil. Peas generally prefer cooler weather, and seeds will grow well in cool spring conditions.
Sunflower
Sunflowers are herbaceous annual plants native to North and South America. They are known for their large flower heads and edible seeds, which are a great plant-based protein source that provides essential nutrients. The common sunflower has a thick, hairy stem and will turn its blooms from east to west to follow the sun.
Sunflowers are annuals that can be sown from March to June, best protected with a fleece if there is any risk of frost. Set up your seedbed in a sheltered sunny site, as sunflowers do not like strong winds or shade, and ensure that it is free from weeds. It is a good idea to mulch around the plants to keep them moist and prevent weeds.
Tomato
The tomato is a flowering plant of the nightshade family, cultivated extensively for its edible fruits. They are labelled as a vegetable for nutritional purposes and are a fantastic source of vitamin C. Tomatoes are commonly eaten raw in sandwiches and salads, served as a cooked vegetable, and used as an ingredient in a variety of dishes.
Tomatoes can be sown indoors from the end of January if you have a heated propagator, otherwise it is best to wait until March or April. Wait until the last frost has passed and plant them outside in a sheltered, sunny, and moist spot. Tomatoes are heavy feeders and will need fertile, well composted soil as well as weekly feeds with a potassium rich fertiliser.
Final Thoughts
Many seeds can be sown directly outdoors at this time of year, whereas others may benefit from being raised in trays, pots, and modules to be transplanted later in the year. Carefully read the instructions on your seed packets to select the ideal conditions for growing.
By sowing plenty of flowers and crops now you can ensure that your garden is in full bloom by mid-summer along with a variety of fresh fruit and vegetables ready for consumption!