April is a pivotal month for gardeners all across the UK. With less threat of ground frost destroying your hard work, the first full spring month of the year offers green-thumbed gardeners ample opportunities to sow and plant a variety of tasty crops. To help your plants thrive, it’s essential to use high-quality compost. At NAL Plant, we recommend our Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) endorsed, 100% peat-free compost

Squash

Squash varieties, including courgettes and pumpkins, always seem to grow in spurts! Start seeds indoors about three to four weeks before the last expected frost. Plant each seed on its edge into a small pot filled with multipurpose compost. This compost provides an optimal environment for germination and early growth. Once seedlings develop and outdoor temperatures are consistently above 8ºC (especially in the morning), transplant them into a sunny garden spot. If the weather remains cool or windy, consider using cloches or row covers to protect young plants during their initial outdoor acclimation.

Broccoli

Broccoli is both nutritious and straightforward to cultivate, and is one of our favourite veggies at NAL Plant! Start by sowing seeds indoors, scattering them over pots filled with our peat-free compost. Lightly cover with additional compost and water gently. After germination, transplant seedlings into individual plugs, allowing them to establish strong root systems. Once they outgrow their plugs, move them to prepared garden beds enriched with our RHS-recommended compost. Regular watering is crucial as temperatures rise. Protect plants from pests like pigeons and cabbage white butterflies by using netting or fine insect mesh.

Beetroot

Beetroot is a resilient and rewarding crop for gardeners. Each beetroot seed is a cluster capable of producing multiple seedlings. To manage this, sow seeds directly into the ground, spacing them according to the desired final plant distance. Once seedlings emerge, thin the smaller shoots to ensure proper spacing for root development. Alternatively, for a more controlled approach, sow beetroot seeds into plug trays filled with multipurpose compost. Place about three seeds into each plug. After germination, thin the seedlings to leave the strongest in each plug. Transplant these clusters into the garden once they have developed a robust root system. This multi-sowing technique saves effort and optimises space, allowing for staggered harvesting as roots mature at different rates.

Spring Onions

Spring onions are the hidden workhorse in most dishes, and are quick to grow. They can be started off early under cover in modules filled with multipurpose compost. Once seedlings have established, transplant them into prepared garden beds enriched with our compost. Ensure consistent moisture and keep the area weed-free to promote healthy growth. Harvest as required when they reach a usable size, typically within 8-12 weeks.