The month of change. Second month of Autumn; the weather is still flicking between warm and cold, wet and dry. The equinox has passed, and we get to change the clocks. A saying that has helped me with daylight savings; 'Spring - Forward, Fall - Back'. At 3am on the first Sunday of April, we turn out clocks back an hour. We gain an hour of sleep, and we get our bright mornings back! At least until winter really takes over.

 

More rain is expected in April. The warmer days are getting fewer, and further between. The average rainfall in April is 40.1mm, and average temperature is 22.7°C.

 

It is time to plant some of the things that can't stand the harsh heat of summer; Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Celery, Endive, Lettuce, Peas, Silverbeet, Spinach.
Seeds - Broad Beans, White Onions, Turnip

Herbs - can be grown from seed now, either in the open garden or in pots.

Flowers - Seeds & Seedlings: Ageratum, Alyssum. Aquilegia, Arctotis, English Daisy, Calendula, Carnation, Cineraria, Cornflower, Delphinium, Dianthus, Everlasting Daisy, Hollyhock, Linaria, Mesembryanthemum, French Marigold, Nemesia, Pansy, Polyanthus, Iceland Poppy, Primula, Snapdragon, Stock, Sweet Pea, Viola, Wallflower.
Bulbs - Anemone, Bluebells, Daffodils, Dutch Iris, Freesias, Hyacinths, Jonquils, Lachenalias, Muscari, Ranunculas, Sparaxis, Tritonias.
For a good show of flowers, complete spring bulb planting this month, except Tulips, they do best planted in May.

 

In a typical April, figs should be ripe and juicy! Lately our seasons have been a bit out of sorts, so they came a little early this year, but there should still be a good harvest out there for those of you blessed with fig trees!

 

Happy Easter folks, be safe and enjoy your long weekend!

 

 

Happy Gardening!