The recent glimmer of sunshine with its hint of warmth has sent us into the garden where things are beginning to show signs of new life.

The green (and not so green) fingered among you might be thinking about new flowers, shrubs and vegetables for your garden so we have put together a list of what you should be planting in April.

“Gardens are not made by singing ‘Oh, how beautiful,’ and sitting in the shade.” Rudyard Kipling

General garden

The combination of sunshine and April showers make it a good time to sow (or turf) new lawns and repair bare patches in those already established. Be sure to protect them from hungry birds though! Now is also the perfect time to get some lawn weed killers down.

Plant evergreen trees and shrubs now.

(This is also the time to feed plant pots and get control of weeds!)

Flowers to sow outside

It is still too early to sow many flowers directly outside but wildlife seed mixtures are a great choice for adding a little colour until the summer hits its full bloom - they’re a great way to attract bees and butterflies to your garden too.

Direct sow calendula seeds now. It tolerates any type of soil and will grow in partial shade to full sun - just make sure the soil doesn’t dry out.

Plant-out sweet peas as early as possible to ensure a good show of flowers. Sweet peas root deeply and need plenty of nourishment, so plant them in rich soil in a sunny, sheltered position. Don’t forget to provide canes or pea sticks for the taller growing varieties.

Tubers of begonias and dahlias, and corms of gladiolus can be planted out where they will flower in the coming weeks.

Flowers to sow indoors or in the greenhouse

Sunflowers, the children’s favourite, can be sown in pots now. They are sturdy plants that require little care once planted and include short varieties that grow no more than a few feet to plants that reach up to 8 feet and taller.

Nasturtiums, petunias, salvia, ageratum and zinnia can be sown in pots and modules now.

Sow marigolds in the warmth of the greenhouse to brighten up your beds this summer.

Fruit and vegetables to sow outside

Sow artichokes, beetroot, broad beans, brussel sprouts, brocolli, cabbages, cauliflower, carrots, leeks, parsnip, peas, radish, spinach, spring onions and swede this month.

Plant out chitted seed potatoes 10 - 15cm below the soil surface.

You could also try growing your own watercress in containers on the patio - just make sure the container is sitting in 2-3 inches of water at all times.

Herbs including chives, coriander and dill can be sown outside or in containers indoors.

Fruit and vegetables to sow indoors/in the greenhouse

Start to sow courgette, marrow, squash and pumpkin seeds under cover, along with lettuce and sweet peppers, ready for bountiful summer crops.

Perennial herbs including rosemary, sage, thyme and lemon balm can be sown in the greenhouse.

Sow strawberry seeds in the greenhouse now.

Start to sow tomato seeds indoors, ready to plant out when the risk of frost has passed.

Towards the end of the month, plant seeds for cucumbers, gherkins and runner beans in individual pots or modules in the greenhouse.

If you have any gardening advice or tips, let us (and your fellow gardeners) know below.