The leaves have started to fall like crazy and over the next couple of weeks even more so. This is the time that seeds are sown and leaves mulch the soil to keep roots warm through the winter. Autumn is natures planting time and there is still plenty to do in the garden before winter is on us. Here’s our quick guide of what to do in your garden in April.

Sow some seeds of colour: Nature plants the most seeds in autumn and we should follow her lead. Masses of spring colour will come from seeds, sown this month. Even though instant satisfaction rules there are some things that just have to be seed grown. Water wise African Daisies are the first thing that comes to mind when it comes to loads of colour from seed for spring but that’s not all there is to choose from. We love the tough Bokbaai Vygies, dainty Lineria and the fragrant Virginian Stocks which are just as easy to grow and give you loads of colour the most economical way.
We love the fragrance that Sweet Peas bring to the garden. Planted know they need a bit more care that most but the reward is so awesome. Sweet Peas from seed is the best way to get loads of flowers. To grow the best Sweet peas is easy; find our handy guide here

Keep Planting Veggies: get the seedling in for the first batch so that they can establish before winter really sets in. It is lettuce season and we just love growing them as a cut and come again crop. Leeks, Onions, Cauliflower as well as Broccoli and Kale are great options for now from seedlings. To grow the best winter veggies inspiration find our quick guide here

Plant a Lemon Tree: Autumn is a great time to plant citrus if you have a small garden or an area protected from direct frost. The roots will establish through the winter months and then bolt the tree in spring. Plant them in a good size hole with BioRock and a liberal amount of compost added to the soil. If you are planting into a container still add the BioRock for root development and use potting soil only to fill the pot. Remember that citrus like heat so a full sun spot is a must to get a good crop. Hers our easy quick guide to grow the best lemons here

Plant instant colour: Who doesn’t like a quick colour fix in the garden especially as the summer colour finally starts to finish off. Cyclamen, Chrysanth’s and Primroses are top of the list for us but don’t forget about the cascading Cali Petunias too. Dress the patio with colour or make a statement at the front door.

Plant and feed Winter and autumn flowering shrubs: Add interest to your garden all year round by adding some permanent shrubs into your space. Camellias Azaleas as well as the Autumn flowering Cape Honeysuckle flower well this time of the year. Waterwise Aloes set their bud in autumn as do the camellias and will benefit from a feeding of BioOcean to stimulate more flowers.

Get some bulbs into the garden: Planted until the end of May this is the time to dream up displays of bulbs to flower through late winter and through spring. We love the indigenous Freesias but Daffodils and Ranunculus are always close to the top of our list of favourites. When planting bulbs the quick tip is to remember to plant them with the point facing upwards and at a depth of double the bulb. Learn more on growing Daffodil bulbs here