April Gardening Jobs: What to Do, Plant, and Prune This Month

April brings warmer temperatures, longer days, and a real sense of momentum in the garden. It’s the perfect time to build on the work you did in March. Whether you're focused on sowing seeds, keeping on top of weeds, or refreshing your flower beds, our guide to April gardening jobs will help you make the most of the month ahead.

Garden Maintenance and Cleaning in April

With spring in full swing, garden maintenance becomes all about upkeep and preparation for a flourishing summer. April is also a great time to take stock of your garden tools, tidy your shed, and make sure everything is in working order for the busy months ahead. Here’s what to prioritise:

Now that your garden is neat and under control, it’s time to move on to planting and planning.

What to Plant in April: Vegetables and Flowers

With frosts less frequent and soil temperatures rising, April opens up more planting possibilities. It’s a great month to get ahead with both flowers and crops.

Vegetables to Plant in April

Wondering what vegetables to grow in April? With soil temperatures rising and longer days, this is a fantastic time to sow and grow a variety of crops:

- Second early and main crop potatoes can still be planted if not done in March. Choose a sunny, well-drained spot.

- Sow seeds for courgettes, pumpkins, squash, and runner beans indoors to get a head start before transplanting in May.

- Directly sow lettuce, radishes, spinach, and peas outdoors. These cool-season crops thrive in early spring.

- Grow spinach in rich, moist soil. It’s fast-growing and perfect for repeat sowing. You can usually start harvesting leaves in as little as 4–6 weeks.

- Grow beetroot from seed by sowing directly into well-prepared soil. If you’re wondering how long it takes to grow beetroot from seed, expect baby beets in 6–8 weeks, and full-size roots in about 3 months.

- How to grow tomatoes: Sow seeds indoors in a warm spot or propagator. Once seedlings develop true leaves, pot them on. Start planning how to grow tomatoes in pots if space is limited—just be sure to place containers in a sunny, sheltered area and support the plants as they grow.

These vegetables will reward you with fast, satisfying growth—and help fill your garden with tasty, homegrown produce.

Flowers to Plant in April

If you're wondering what flowers to plant in April, you're in luck—this month offers a wide variety of options for both beginners and seasoned gardeners. With the last frosts fading and soil warming up, you can start filling your beds, pots, and hanging baskets with colourful blooms.

- Marigolds, cosmos, and zinnias: These hardy annuals can be started indoors or sown directly outdoors in milder areas.

- Sunflowers: Fun and easy to grow—sow seeds directly into well-drained soil where they can soak up full sun.

- Petunias and lobelia: Perfect for containers, window boxes, or hanging baskets. Start indoors or buy young plants ready to go.

- Plant summer bulbs like dahlias and begonias for vibrant summer colour.

- Add perennials such as echinacea, coreopsis, and salvia for long-lasting colour year after year.

Don't forget to mix colours, heights, and textures to make your garden beds stand out. Whether you’re creating a cottage garden or filling out a balcony planter, April is the perfect time to get planting.

Feeding and Caring for Your Garden

Plants are waking up quickly in April, and feeding them now supports strong growth and flowering throughout the season:

Regular watering becomes more important this month, especially for new plants. Water early in the day to reduce evaporation and discourage fungal issues.

Pruning in April: What You Can Still Cut Back 

If you missed some March pruning, April gives you a last chance to catch up before plants move into full growth mode:

Pruning Spring-Flowering Shrubs

- Once shrubs like forsythia, kerria, and flowering currant have finished blooming, prune to maintain shape and encourage next year’s flowers.

- Lavender: Avoid pruning lavender too early, but in late April, once you see new growth at the base, give lavender a light trim to shape the plant and encourage bushy growth. Avoid cutting into old wood, as it may not regenerate.

- Hydrangea (macrophylla/mophead and lacecap): If not already done, you can prune in April by removing old flower heads and cutting back dead or weak stems to a strong pair of buds. Avoid cutting into stems that will flower this year, as most hydrangeas bloom on old wood.

Rose Pruning

There is still time to prune if not done in March. Begin by inspecting your rose bush for any signs of frost damage, blackened stems, or crossing branches. Remove any dead, diseased, or weak stems completely, and cut remaining healthy growth back to strong, outward-facing buds. This not only helps shape the plant but also encourages airflow through the centre, which reduces the risk of fungal diseases and promotes healthier, more abundant blooms later in the season. For a full guide on rose care, check out our article on planting and taking care of roses. 

Tree Pruning

While most heavy tree pruning should be done during the dormant winter months, April is a great time for light pruning and tidying:

- Remove dead, damaged, or rubbing branches on ornamental or young trees to improve shape and health.

- Lightly shape young trees to guide balanced, upright growth as they establish.

- Avoid pruning stone fruit trees like cherry, plum, and peach in April—these are best pruned in summer to prevent disease such as silver leaf.

- Always use clean, sharp tools, and make angled cuts just above a bud or side branch.

This type of light maintenance can prevent problems later in the season and keep your trees looking tidy and healthy

Extra April Gardening Tips

- Thin out seedlings to avoid overcrowding and promote stronger growth. This makes room for the healthiest plants to thrive and ensures better airflow.

- Ventilate greenhouses and cold frames on warmer days to prevent overheating. Good airflow helps reduce the risk of mould and damping-off in young plants.

- Keep an eye on night-time temperatures and be ready with fleece or cloches for tender plants. A late frost can still catch you out!

- Plant herbs like basil, parsley, and coriander in pots or raised beds for easy access. Snip regularly to keep them compact and productive.

- Install a water butt if you haven’t already. April showers can fill it fast—and you'll have a free, sustainable water source for the summer.

- Divide and replant overcrowded perennials such as hostas, daylilies, or ornamental grasses. This revitalises older plants and gives you more to fill out your beds.

- Start training climbing plants like clematis or sweet peas up trellises or supports while they’re still manageable.

- Refresh and top up mulch around shrubs and perennials to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil quality as the weather warms.

Staying consistent with care and small tasks in April helps your garden gain momentum for the months ahead.

Prepare Your Garden for a Blooming Season with Woodies DIY

April is a busy but exciting time in the garden. From sowing seeds to feeding hungry plants, each task you tick off brings you closer to a beautiful, thriving outdoor space. Whether you’re starting fresh or building on a strong March foundation, there’s no better time to dig in and get growing.Need more advice? Drop into your local Woodie’s garden centre to chat with our horticulturists or check out more tips on Woodie’s Community.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Best to Plant in April?

April is a great month to plant salad crops, peas, leeks, beetroot, and cabbage outdoors. You can also sow sweetcorn, courgettes, and pumpkins under cover. For flowers, plant dahlias, cosmos, and hardy annuals to enjoy colourful summer displays.

What’s the Best Way to Deal with Slugs and Pests That Tend to Show Up This Time of Year?

Start early with slug barriers, copper tape, or wildlife-friendly slug pellets. Encourage natural predators like birds and frogs. For aphids, a spray of soapy water or neem oil can help. Regular checks and early action are key to keeping pests in check as the weather warms.

What Time of Year Is Best to Renovate the Garden?

Spring and early autumn are ideal for garden makeovers in Ireland. April offers a great window for replanting beds, laying turf, or adding features, as the soil is warming up and rainfall is still frequent enough to help plants establish.

Is April the Best Month to Grow Tomatoes?

Yes—April is perfect for sowing tomato seeds indoors in Ireland. Use a warm, bright windowsill or propagator. If you're planting young tomato plants, wait until late April or May when frost risk has passed, especially for outdoor growing.