The best seeds to sow in April

• Beetroot thrives in well-drained soil and seeds can be started off in pots or sown directly into soil. 

• If growing outside from the start, create a 1cm trench and space seeds 10cm apart. 

• Beetroot is ready to be harvested when it reaches the size of a golf ball – and still tastes delicious all the way up to cricket ball size. Left to grow any larger though, its flavour becomes woody and less succulent.

• April is the ideal time to sow peas. 

• Create a 3cm trench in fertile soil and space seeds around 10cm apart, cover with soil and water them well. 

• Seedlings should appear within one to two weeks.

• When the pea shoots are young, you’ll need to stake them with tall, thin supports so their tendrils have something to wrap around as they climb. We recommend using natural twigs as they offer the plants better grip.

• Prepare the soil by thoroughly forking the earth to break up lumps and remove as many stones as possible. You’re aiming for a fine tilth, as this helps prevent the carrots from growing into unusual shapes.

• Create a shallow trench and space seeds around 1cm deep and 5-8cm apart.

• Cover with soil and use a watering can with a rose head attachment to ensure they are well watered.

• Protect against the carrot fly pest by putting horticultural fleece around the crop and securing at the edges.

• Spanish flag is a climbing perennial known for its fiery flowers. An ombre effect of red, orange and cream makes it an eye-catching border choice. 

• Ideal for west and south-facing gardens in areas of direct sunlight.

• Sow directly into the garden at least two weeks after the last frost when the soil has warmed up. 

• Fill any gaps in borders with sun-loving cosmos. Sow from seed into moist, well-drained soil for a profusion of white, pink, red or orange flowers that last well into autumn. 

• To prolong flowering, deadhead regularly, and lift spent plants in autumn after the first frosts have passed.

• Store any seed to sow again next April.

• If you’re looking for a plant with a pleasant evening fragrance, nicotiana – also known as tobacco plant – is a wonderful choice.
• Sow in April, and position in borders around seating areas so you can enjoy its delicate aroma on warm summer evenings.

Freshly sown peas are a favourite snack for mice. So, if these rodents are an issue where you live, it is best to sow peas inside and transplant them once they have reached 15cm.