April is the month when gardening really springs into action. As days become warmer, brighter and longer, gardens across Oxfordshire and the wider UK begin to wake up. Alongside the occasional dramatic April shower and blustery day, the welcome sound of lawnmowers and strimmers signals that the growing season is truly back.

One of the most uplifting sights of spring is cherry blossom glowing against a freshly cut green lawn – a moment that signals everything we love about the gardening year is just beginning again. April is also a perfect time to introduce new plants, refresh garden ideas and reconnect with nature, whether you’re evolving your garden’s style or simply maintaining what already brings you joy.

Below are our top April gardening tips to help your garden thrive through spring and into summer.

As temperatures rise, pests become active again, so it’s important to inspect plants and trees regularly. Early action really does make all the difference.

Aphids are among the most common early‑season pests and will quickly target roses and herbaceous perennials. Remove them by gently rubbing them off or using a jet of water from a hose. Where possible, avoid chemical pesticides, as these can harm beneficial insects such as ladybirds and hoverflies that naturally keep pest populations in check.

Tip: Preventing colonies from establishing now will save you problems later in the season.

April is a great time to prepare supports for climbing plants such as sweet peas, late‑flowering clematis, runner beans and climbing French beans.

A handmade willow obelisk is ideal for lightweight climbers and adds a beautiful, rustic feature to the garden. Willow structures are sustainable, environmentally friendly and fit perfectly into English country garden styles. There are many simple step‑by‑step guides available online, making this a satisfying and achievable gardening project.

April’s mild, often damp conditions make it an excellent month for planting perennials. New plants can establish strong root systems now, setting them up for healthy growth throughout the growing season.

Look for gaps in borders that could use extra colour, height or structure. Visiting the Rosara Plant Centre is a great way to explore a wide selection of perennials perfectly suited to Oxfordshire gardens and ready to transform borders ahead of summer.

Once daffodils finish flowering, remove the spent flowerheads to prevent the plant putting energy into seed production. This ensures energy is directed back into the bulb to form next year’s flowers.

The foliage must remain in place for around six weeks. While daffodil leaves can look untidy, it’s essential not to cut them back too early. One effective way to disguise fading foliage is to plant bulbs among perennials such as hostas, whose bold, emerging leaves will naturally conceal them.

Now is the time to tie in new or loose shoots on climbing roses and rambler roses. Training stems horizontally restricts sap flow slightly, encouraging more side shoots – and therefore more flowers – along the entire length of each stem.

If roses are left to grow vertically, flowers will mainly appear at the tips, making them less visible and reducing overall impact.

Most herbs can now be sown directly outdoors and those started earlier under cover can be planted out towards the end of the month after hardening off in a cold frame.

Young herb plants are widely available in April and can be planted straight into beds, borders or containers. Herbs thrive in well‑drained soil and sun, making them perfect for patios and kitchen gardens.

In much of southern England, including Oxfordshire, conditions are usually mild enough to plant dahlia tubers outdoors in April.

Prepare the soil thoroughly – dahlias are hungry plants that benefit from plenty of organic matter and an application of organic fertiliser. Plant tubers so the crown sits at least 7–8cm (around 3 inches) below the soil surface.

If staking is required, insert supports before planting to avoid damaging the tuber later.

April is the final opportunity to plant maincrop potatoes if you’re aiming for a good harvest.

• Dig trenches around 60cm (2ft) apart and about a spade’s depth.
• Add well‑rotted manure or garden compost to the base.
• Space tubers roughly 38cm (15 inches) apart with shoots facing upwards.
• Backfill and leave the soil slightly mounded.

As shoots appear, continue earthing up to protect developing tubers.

Sow tomato seeds now for planting outdoors in early June. Use seed trays or small pots filled with seed compost and sow thinly. Cover with vermiculite and keep warm.

Once seedlings are large enough to handle, prick out into individual pots. There are many varieties to choose from – from classic cordon tomatoes to trailing varieties ideal for hanging baskets – so choose based on flavour, habit and available growing space.

Vine weevil larvae can cause serious damage by feeding on plant roots, often killing plants before growth really gets going. Adults emerge later and feed on leaves, though they’re mainly active at night.

The most effective organic control is a biological nematode treatment, applied by watering into the soil in spring according to the manufacturer’s instructions. For best results, repeat treatment again in autumn.

April marks the peak of amphibian breeding season. If you have a garden pond, keep an eye out for frogs, toads and newts returning to breed.

No amphibians yet? A few small changes can make a big difference:

• Provide an easy way in and out of the pond with sloping edges.
• Add a shallow pebble ‘beach’ for resting and shelter.
• Include a mix of marginal, floating and submerged plants.

These features not only improve the appearance of your pond but create essential habitat for breeding, feeding and protection.

With the right setup, your pond could become a regular springtime refuge for amphibians year after year.