Cut back herbaceous perennials and ornamental grasses that have been left over winter. Prune Buddleja to a low framework of stems to encourage new flowering growth. Split over crowded herbaceous perennials to keep them flowering well. Feed ericaceous shrubs such as rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and pieris with an ericaceous fertilizer.
Hardy annuals such as Cornflower, Nigella and Californian poppies, can be sown directly at the end of the month. Start off dahlia tubers in pots or trays of damp peat-free compost. Summer flowering bulb, such as lillies, Gladioli and Eucomis can be planted now. Finish pruning bush and climbing roses and wisteria by the end of the month. Plant onion sets and shallots, and plant early potatoes.
Protect blossoms of apricots, peaches and nectarines from late frosts by covering with fleece. Mow lawns on dry days if needed. Apply a spring weed, feed and moss killer to lawns. Sow lettuce, rocket, carrots, peas outside when the soil has warmed up. Sow parsnips now, as they are erratic germinators, sow them in clusters of 3 or 4 seeds, 15cm apart.
Gooseberries and currants can be pruned now as the sap is beginning to rise, so the cuts will heal faster.
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