APRIL
Garden diary
Chores
With the soil still retaining summer’s heat, April is considered the best month to plant trees and shrubs. Put them in now and you’ll be giving them time to establish roots over winter and spring, enabling them to better face the rigours of growth and summer’s harshness. Dig generous holes – at least half as big again as the root ball or existing container. Before planting soak the plant, container and all, in a bucket of water and leave submerged until the bubbles stop. This ensures the root is thoroughly soaked. A slow-release fertiliser may be sprinkled over the bottom of