In Dana’s latest garden update, signs of the season are everywhere. Tulips are popping in vibrant bursts of colour, kale is thriving in the cool air, and peas are already reaching skyward, eager for their climb. Each day, the garden team is in motion—planting, weeding, and preparing beds for the abundance ahead.
One particularly magical moment comes from a perennial tulip patch that’s been quietly evolving over the past two years. Red and yellow varieties have crossed paths, resulting in a stunning natural hybrid, petals split between red and yellow.
What to Do in Your Garden This April
April is a pivotal time in the Hollyhock Garden. Here’s what’s happening and what you can be doing right now:
Sow Greens
Cool-weather crops are ready to go straight into the soil. Try direct sowing bok choy, spinach, and mustard greens for an early harvest.
Plant Snap Peas
It’s not too late to get peas in the ground. Direct sow them now and give them something to climb.
Transplant Hardy Alliums
Leeks, onions, and scallions can move from the greenhouse to outdoor beds this month.
Sow Herbs Like Cilantro
Cilantro thrives in cooler temperatures, making April an ideal time to plant seeds directly in the garden.
Prepare Your Beds
Healthy soil sets the tone for the season. Add generous layers of compost to nourish upcoming seedlings and improve soil structure.
Map Out Your Garden Plan
Take time to plan your layout, keeping crop rotation in mind. Knowing what grew where last year helps maintain soil health and reduces pests.
Finish Light Pruning
If you haven’t already, complete any last light pruning on fruit trees and shrubs before new growth fully takes over.
Feed Your Garlic
Top dressing garlic with compost or nutrients now will support a strong, flavourful harvest come July.
Stay Ahead of Weeds & Mulch Generously
Weeds are waking up too—get ahead of them early. Mulching helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and mimic nature’s own systems.
Tend to Seedlings Daily
Water consistently, and if you’re using a greenhouse, remember to open it each day. Airflow and cooler temperatures are essential for strong, healthy plants.
April is a month of momentum—where small, steady actions set the stage for the season ahead. There’s something deeply satisfying about being part of this daily rhythm, watching the garden shift and stretch toward summer.
Stay tuned for Dana’s May garden update!
