APRIL GARDEN TIPS

Words: Transition Chesterfield

Images: Robert Nixon Betts

It should be properly spring and noticeably warmer by the time you read this. We've had a generally mild winter where lots of garden pests will have survived, so keep an eye open for them. On the plus side, there should be lots of appropriate predators and more birds to add their song to the dawn and evening chorus.

If you haven't already done so, plant all seed potatoes. They are traditionally planted on Good Friday, but with Easter being mid-April means that remaining maincrop varieties should be planted by now. Remember that most types are frost-tender and may need some protection if the overnight temperature threatens to drop below zero.

Lots of vegetables (and many annuals and herbs) can be sown now - check the seed packets. They will mostly be hardy types (carrots, beetroot, radish, parsnips etc.) and can go directly into the soil, but that may depend on if you've had the chance to prepare the beds for them. There's still a chance of late frosts - never sow into frozen soil.

If you're not confident about growing things from seed, many seedlings will be sold in garden centres. These will have been raised in a benign environment. They won't appreciate going straight outside, especially if it's chilly, so they need to be slowly acclimatised by being protected at night – but don't keep them in a heated house.

Seeds for tender vegetables can be sown under cover: tomatoes, courgettes, squashes, peppers and so forth. If they need watering, it is better to stand the trays in shallow water until the soil's surface appears damp; spraying from above can flatten the delicate seedlings. Again, you can buy young plants from garden centres, but they can be pretty expensive for what you get, plus it's far more satisfying to grow things from scratch.

If you are planning a new strawberry bed this year, now is the time to save space and dig in some organic matter such as manure to give these productive fruit crops an excellent start. Think about ordering some strawberry plants or runners to be planted next month.

Mulching with compost is by far the best way to feed your garden, but if you can't produce enough or haven't got a good source, most established plants will appreciate some general fertilisers spread around above where their roots will be and gently forked in – don't overdo it and damage the roots themselves. If you only have a little compost, either reserve it for your hungriest plants or use it to cover a thin scattering of fertiliser. As the days warm, anything in pots will need to be watered more often, especially houseplants, which should be moved away from places where they are in direct sunlight. Start including a weak feed, increasing to full strength as new growth sprouts. If you have fruit trees or shrubs, their blossom may be damaged by frost, so try to protect them; this is more important for things like apricots or peaches, which are more vulnerable. Larger trees will, to some extent, provide their own micro-climate, so they will only suffer minor damage (depending on the severity of the frost) and can be left to take their chances.

Lawns should be growing faster now, so they may require more frequent and lower cuts. You can also repair any patches that have appeared over winter by sowing seed into them; loosen the soil a bit first and rake the surface. Protect any newly sown areas from pigeons.

There isn't a month when you shouldn't be weeding, but it's much more important if the weather is mild!

Fancy £20 just for filling in our crossword?

For your chance to win, send in your completed crossword to reach us by Friday 10 March 2023 to S40 Local, Studio 2, West Studios, Sheffield Road, Chesterfield S41 7LL or take a photo/scan it to paul@s40local.co.uk

Congratulations to last month's Kay from Linacre.

Across

1. Starting without inhibition, they disrobed every month (8,5)

8. Major pelvic bone (7)

9. Shiny fabric used in athlete’s clothing (5)

10. Light the hill by the church (5)

11. Acted a tale in famous Wood (7)

12. Madrid’s main railway interchange (6,7)

15. Betrayer opposes bread skill (7)

17. Short, large mammal (5)

18. Seen at the bar (5)

19. Hot, pungent sauce (7)

20. Terrier with pendulous ears and long tail (6,7)

Down

1. Toast with cold wine for American former actor and politician (5,8)

2. Swiss lakeside town and resort (7)

3. No from a horse reportedly (5)

4. Dad met trains, I governed (13)

5. Durable, often striped, cotton fabric (7)

6. Appertaining to the countryside (5)

7. Still scoring inside after bingo sweet (7,3,3)

13. Electrical giant (7)

14. Clearly evident thick strokes from a paint brush (7)

16. Area of Birmingham (5)

17. Obscure word for poisonous substance (5)

Last month's answers.

Sewing Machine: £100 ONO

Vintage Singer sewing machine. Over 100 years old.

T: 07752 638306 (Newbold)

Assorted Dresses: £50

Assorted dresses, size 14 to 16. Cocktail and dinner dresses. £50 for them all.

T: 07752 638306 (Newbold)

Lindam Stairgate: £15

VGC Complete.

T: 01246 231897 (Walton)

Various: £Offers

Pretty 3 branch chandelier 3 shades with crystal droplets; Twin ceiling spot light, boxed; Cottage ceiling light; 3 Panasonic cordless phones & charges; VAX bagless upright Power 8 plus accessories, boxed; 10 in 1 steam mop & accessories, boxed; All VGC & very little use. Open to offers.

T: 07477 820141 (Walton)

Double Mattress: £27

Firm, good condition.

T: 07727 1935925

Round Coffee Table: £30

Solid oak with a self underneath.

T: 07727 1935925

Stainless Single Sink: £35 Kitchen sink, one and a half bowl with taps and stopper.

T: 07727 1935925

Kettler Meanos Versa Outdoor Lounge set: £450

Excl cond. Half price of preset cost. Used June to Sept 2022 only. Kept under cover.

T: 07508 615018 (Walton)

Scooter Stand: £40

Metal universal scooter stand. Made by JB Fabrication. Not used. Fully adjustable for use in a van or trailer to safely and securely transport your scooter. Can be adjusted for 8, 10 or 12 inch wheels & easily bolts down.

T: 07910 711591 (Walton)

Toddler Travel Bed: £10

Like new, little use . Air bed complete with small mattress, pump and bag to store.

T: 07918 125261 (Somersall)

Ladies & Gents Cycles: £140 Cyclists, for sale ladies and gents cycles, hardly used plus static cycle trainer and garage cycle hanging rack. Need the space. Entire lot £140. T: 01246 568922 (Brampton)

Ladies Trousers: £10

Three pairs of ladies Artigiano trousers. Size 18. £10 for all 3.

T: 01246 569274 (Brookside)

Bababing Float: £25

Baby bouncer, brand new. Was £39.99 new.

T: 01246 568965 (Brampton)

Chicco Next 2 Me: £50 Side sleeping crib. Include mattress and travel bag.

T: 01246 568965 (Brampton)

Ladies Golf Clubs: £50 Bag and plus trolley.

T: 01246 568965 (Brampton)

Brass Reading Lamp: £10 Floor standing.

T: 01246 568965 (Brampton)

Baby Clothes: £Various

Some never warn, great prices. Call for details.

T: 01246 568965 (Brampton)

Coffee Table: £50

Light wood, 4 drawers, as new. From Eyres. To large for new space.

T: 07875 179154 (Brampton)

Lampshades: £8 & £17

Two matching grey lampshades bought from Eyres. The larger one comes with a detachable diffuser. Both in very good condition. For sale as a pair or separately. Sizes: 30 cm & 43cm.

T: 07816 072138

Silvercrest Record Player: £85

USB player that records to USB stick or SD/MMC Card directly in MP3 format. Still in box, unused.

T: 07980 510591

Delonghi Heater: £Offers

Electric, on wheels, as new. Good offer accepted.

T: 01246 297463 (Chesterfield)

Office Chair: £Charity

On wheels, small, shabby but lot of life left. Donation to charity.

T: 01246 297463 (Chesterfield)

1977 Gold Plated Crown: £20 On a chain.

T: 01246 297463 (Chesterfield)

Various: £Various

Rotary Clothes Line £15; Razor Electric Scooter £20; Street Blaze Scooter £12; Flymo Vacuum Blower £15; Flymo Strimmer £10; McAllister Strimmer £5; Lawn Edging Trimmer £5.

T: 01246 567313 (Walton)

Joinery Equipment: £750

Professional range of joinery equipment. All owned and used by competent joiner. Originally £1500 of tools. Will split and offers accepted.

T: 01246 567313 (Walton)

WANTED: Crepe Bandages

To help with knee support, 7" wide x several meters long wanted. Can't find any locally so asking people to contact if you can help.

T: 01246 569274 (Brookside)

WANTED: Silver Topped

Walking Cane

Any cane considered, for lady so not too long although could be cut down if required.

T: 01246 569274 (Brookside)

Easy Listening Vinyl: £FREE

Job lot of 70 records, classical, brass bands, etc incl some 78s.

T: 07764 801080 (Brookside)

Adverts for items (and groups of items) under £200 are free. Adverts for over £200 are £5 which we donate to Ashgate Hospice (picture items donation priced on request).

Please contact:

E: paul@s40local.co.uk

T: 07764 801080