April

The days are finally longer, thanks to summer time, but the nights are still often too cold to start planting dahlias. Many perennials could be killed by a hard frost. April is an ideal month for:

• Plan the planting of your dahlia beds and loosen the soil with a grelinette. Plant your dahlias just after the last frosts at the end of April.
• Take advantage of the last daffodils and tulips to bloom. If they are in pots, don't hesitate to water them if the weather is dry. Cut off wilted flowers. Wait until the leaves have turned yellow before cutting the stems.
• A little organic slug pellet won't hurt to protect young peony and tulip shoots from unexpected attacks! Sprinkle some on the areas where dahlias will be planted.
• Sow your cosmos and sunflowers, but wait until May for the zinnias.
• Compost your vegetable garden.