Gardening in Cyprus - Tasks for April

April is the perfect month for people used to a north european climate. The sun shines nearly every day, and the temperatures average a minimum of around 10c and a maximum of between 20-25c. There can still be rain, often a heavy thunderstorm which may even contain hailstones, but which don't tend to last more than a couple of hours, after which the sun shines once again.  Locals still tend to wear long trousers and sweatshirts for most of April, but many tourists go around happily in T-shirts and shorts. There is plenty to do in the garden to keep gardeners busy during the month.


As the early flushes of flowers finish on daisy like plants such as marigolds deadhead to stimulate continuous flowering .


Make plantings of flowering plants, shrubs and trees. But first ensure that you prepare and improve the soil


Fruit trees are in blossom and need a weekly soaking down to the level of the main roots and provide fertiliser for figs and loquats.


Fertilise grape vines and give a good watering weekly


After the final  harvest of peas and broad beans prepare the soil for summer crops.


Earth up the rows of potatoes to increase crops.


Continue to pick and preserve oranges, mandarins, lemons and grapefruit while crops last. For preservation ideas go to http://sites.google.com/site/cyprusgardener/home/preserving-and-storing-produce


Plant out ginger in a semi-shaded area


Plant out cucumber, melon and watermelon plants and start some more, for a later crop, from seed.


Plant out okra plantlets


Sow sunflowers directly into prepared soil or plant in pots for later planting


Sow chive seeds or plantlets


Sow leeks, molohiya, summer purslane, radish, rocket, oregano and thyme


Plant out chicory, lettuce and sweetcorn plantlets


Try sowing some sesame


Happy gardening for the month and if you require any further advice or information go to 
http://sites.google.com/site/cyprusgardener/home