Monthly Gardening Advice - April

• Now is the time to divide herbaceous plants which have formed large clumps, this would normally be done every 3 years.
• Apply Spring lawn fertiliser and keep lawns mown regularly. And apply a general purpose fertiliser to borders.
• Put plant supports into place to protect tall perennials.
• Keep a vigiliant eye over early infestation with aphid or other pests. Use a systematic pesticide which will give long term protection.
• Spray Roses with Roseclear or similar to protect from fungal blackspot and pest damage.
• Mulch Rhododendrons and Camellias with peat or ericaceous compost to retain moisture. Rose and shrub beds should be mulched with 5-7cm of organic matter to reduce weeds retain moisture and improve soil structure.