April is the perfect time to feed your garden as plants awaken from winter. Whether you're growing veg, flowers, or shrubs, the right plant feed makes all the difference. At SJTools, we stock a range of top-quality plant feeds to help every garden thrive this season.
Lawns
April is prime time for waking up tired winter lawns. A high-nitrogen lawn feed helps grass recover from the cold, encouraging lush, green growth and thicker coverage. Apply on a dry day after mowing, and water well if there's no rain. Try to avoid feeding during frost or drought conditions.
Perennials & Bulbs
With spring bulbs like tulips and daffodils in full bloom, now’s the moment to support their energy storage for next year. A balanced all-purpose feed, such as growmore or fish, blood & bone, helps replenish nutrients and keeps foliage healthy. Feed just after flowering for best results.
Fruit Trees & Bushes
As blossom begins to show, potash-rich feeds (like tomato feed) promote better flower production and improve fruit set. Apples, strawberries, raspberries and blackcurrants benefit hugely from an early spring boost. Feed around the base and mulch to lock in moisture.
Vegetables
Now’s the time to sow hardy veg like carrots, lettuce, onions, beetroot, and peas. Use a general-purpose fertiliser to support root development and leafy growth. Avoid overfeeding early crops - moderation helps build strong, steady plants rather than leggy growth.
Container Plants
Plants in pots quickly use up nutrients, so liquid feeds are essential from spring onwards. Start fortnightly feeds now with a balanced liquid fertiliser, increasing to weekly once active growth kicks in. Don’t forget hanging baskets and patio tubs—they’ll thank you with vibrant flowers later!
As the gardening season kicks off in April, proper feeding techniques can make all the difference for a lush and productive garden. Here are some essential tips to ensure your plants get the nutrients they need without causing harm:
1. Water Before Feeding: Before applying any granular plant food, it’s crucial to moisten the soil. Watering the soil first helps to prevent root burn by ensuring that the nutrients in the feed are evenly absorbed. It also allows the feed to be absorbed more efficiently, preventing it from sitting on dry soil and potentially causing damage to delicate roots.
2. Top Dress Beds: For shrubs, perennials, and flower beds, top dressing is an easy and effective way to provide nutrients. Simply rake the feed around the base of plants and into the top layer of soil. This method allows for a slow, steady release of nutrients, feeding plants consistently throughout the growing season. It’s perfect for plants that prefer a more gradual, controlled nutrient supply, like roses or hydrangeas.
3. Mulch Smartly: After feeding, a layer of mulch can do wonders for your plants. Mulch helps retain moisture in the soil, reducing the need for frequent watering. It also keeps weeds at bay, which can compete with your plants for essential nutrients. Organic mulch, like wood chips or compost, will break down over time and add to the soil’s nutrient content as it decomposes.
4. Tomato Tip: Tomatoes are one of the most rewarding crops to grow, but feeding them at the right time is key to a successful harvest. Start feeding your tomatoes once the first flowers appear, not before. Premature feeding can encourage excessive foliage growth at the expense of fruiting. Once the flowers start showing, you can switch to a specialised tomato feed that’s high in potassium to encourage strong fruit development.
When it comes to trusted names in garden care, Doff stands out as a go-to choice for green-fingered growers across the UK. With roots dating back to 1946, Doff has decades of experience in crafting effective, easy-to-use products for every corner of the garden—from plant feeds and weed killers to pest control solutions.
Proudly manufactured in the UK, Doff blends traditional know-how with modern innovation, helping gardeners grow healthier, stronger plants with confidence.
At SJTools, we offer a wide range of Doff products. Doff offers a trusted range of effective, easy-to-use plant feeds to support healthy growth across your garden. Ideal for vegetables, flowers, and shrubs, Doff products deliver balanced nutrition tailored to plant needs.
For example, the Doff Seaweed Advance Tomato Liquid Fertiliser is specifically formulated to enhance the growth and productivity of tomato plants. Enriched with natural seaweed extract, this fertiliser promotes robust root development and overall plant health, leading to increased yields and improved fruit quality. Its balanced nutrient composition ensures that tomato plants receive essential elements necessary for vigorous growth.
For something more versatile, the Doff Multi-Purpose Feed Concentrate Extra Fill is a liquid fertiliser designed to support the healthy growth of a wide variety of plants, including flowers, fruits, and vegetables. Its concentrated formula is packed with essential nutrients that promote robust development and vibrant blooms.
Since its UK debut in 1990, Miracle-Gro has revolutionized gardening with its innovative plant care solutions. Launching with its flagship Plant Food, the brand quickly captivated gardeners nationwide, thanks to impactful TV advertising that highlighted visible results. This approach led over a million gardeners to try the product in its first year.
At SJTools, we stock a wide range of Miracle-Gro favourites to keep your garden flourishing all year round. Whether you're after the classic All Purpose Plant Feed for strong, healthy growth or the convenient Liquid Concentrate for fast nutrient boosts, Miracle-Gro makes feeding your plants simple and effective.
Miracle-Gro All Purpose Concentrate is a liquid plant food designed to promote healthy growth in a variety of plants. It is both pet and child-friendly, ensuring a safe gardening experience for all. With regular application, you can expect to see visibly healthier plants within 7 days.
For those seeking an organic option, Miracle-Gro Performance Organics All Purpose Plant Feed is an excellent choice. This product is designed to deliver the trusted Miracle-Gro results using natural ingredients. It feeds plants instantly and is enhanced with micronutrients for high-performance results. By using this feed, you can expect more abundant vegetables, flowers, and herbs compared to unfed plants.
Vitax has been a trusted name in gardening for over 140 years. Founded in 1880, the company started out in London, creating products to help gardeners protect and nurture their plants. Since then, it’s grown into one of the UK’s leading brands for horticultural care.
We offer a range of Vitax plant feeds tailored to meet the needs of every gardener. Whether you’re nurturing a lush garden with All Purpose Feed, giving your Olive Tree a boost, or ensuring your Bonsai thrives, Vitax has the perfect solution. With their high-quality, reliable plant feeds, you can expect healthier, more vibrant plants, all while taking care of their specific needs.
Whatever your gardening passion, Vitax makes it easier to achieve stunning results. For example, in April, as your garden awakens from winter's slumber, providing the right nutrients is essential for a bountiful harvest. Vitax Fruit & Vegetable Feed is an excellent choice to support the growth of various fruits and vegetables during this crucial period
Preparing your garden for the growing season is a rewarding endeavor, and having the right tools can make all the difference. The Miracle-Gro Multi-Use Compact Spreader is an excellent choice for gardeners aiming for efficient and even application of lawn treatments and seeds.
Feeding is just one part of the equation—watering is equally essential for plant health. At SJTools, we offer a variety of durable, well-balanced watering cans to suit every garden size and task.
Whether you're watering delicate seedlings or large garden beds, the right can give you better control, coverage, and comfort. Look for options with removable roses for gentle watering and ergonomic handles for easy carrying.
For gardeners seeking both style and functionality, the 9 Litre Kent & Stowe Classic Long Reach Watering Can is an exceptional choice. With its generous 9-litre capacity, it minimises trips to the tap, making watering more efficient.
Whether it’s curious cats, nosy dogs, or pesky slugs, keeping your garden free from unwanted visitors is key to healthy growth. Products like Vitax Scent Off Granules are great for deterring cats and dogs from digging or fouling in flower beds and lawns, while remaining pet-safe.
For slugs and other pests, pair with slug deterrents such as the Ecofective ECF0114 Slug Stoppa Plant Spray to safeguard delicate seedlings and leafy veg. A few smart defences now can help your plants thrive all season long.
April is the time to get your garden into gear for a fruitful growing season. Whether you’re tending to vegetables, flowers, or shrubs, using the right plant feed at the right time is essential.
From Miracle-Gro’s trusted solutions to Doff’s effective, easy-to-use products, and Vitax’s high-quality feeds, we have the tools and knowledge to help your garden thrive. Happy gardening this spring!
