Ellen's April Allotment Blog

You might not believe it, but spring really is here, even if the weather says not quite yet. While many areas have still been under a deluge of rain there are signs of hope everywhere. Daffodils, Hyacinths and Tulips have popped up on the allotment along with some early weeds. It’s a joy to see dandelions and red dead nettle though - they can definitely stay as early nectar sources for pollinators. Peony shoots are popping up, the hedgerow is coming along and birds are in search of nesting spaces.

With plenty of spring life in the garden, it’s also a great time to get more plants for free. I will be dividing clump forming perennials such as hostas and daylilies to re plant in the perennial beds.

The vegetable beds were all heavily mulched in autumn saving me a spring job which I am thankful for since there are so many seeds to sow and plants to pot on, harden off and other spring jobs to be getting on with.

I have trays of seedlings filling the Rhino Greenhouse which really do bring such joy. They are also covered in horticultural fleece on colder days and evenings which gives that added warmth If needed. I am also sowing carrots, lettuce, beetroot, courgette, pumpkin, leeks, peas and radish along with whatever else I find in my seed stash!

The cut flower patch is growing this year and I am now sowing cosmos, strawflowers, nicotiana, sunflowers, nigella, calendula, zinnia and mina lobata to name a few. I also have an area dedicated to a new wildflower space so this is the month to be sowing those seeds. I can’t wait to see what grows!

I also have some fruit trees on my allotment including apples, apricots and a young peach tree. There may well be more sunny days throughout the month but those surprise frosts are still around. I have horticultural fleece on hand not just for the seedlings but also to wrap the fruit tree to protect the blossoms when needed.

I have a large herb patch alongside the Rhino Greenhouse and there are many which can be harvested already. The Mint for example (which is growing in pots then placed in the ground to stop the roots from going wild) is looking wonderful and I am harvesting that already for a fresh morning cup of mint tea.

Happy April…roll on the sunshine!