Growing cucumbers is one of the most rewarding experiences in a summer garden. This complete guide walks you through every step — from choosing the right variety and planting seeds to caring for plants, solving common problems, and harvesting crisp, homegrown cucumbers.

April doesn’t ease you in gently. One day you’re in shorts, the next you’re back in your down jacket — and somehow the cherry trees are blooming through all of it. In these April reflections, I share how to live with April’s restless energy rather than against it: in the garden, at home, and in yourself.

April doesn’t ease you in gently. One day you’re in shorts, the next you’re back in your down jacket — and somehow the cherry trees are blooming through all of it. In these April reflections, I share how to live with April’s restless energy rather than against it: in the garden, at home, and in yourself.

April marks the thrilling moment when your vegetable garden truly springs to life. As soil temperatures warm and the danger of frost diminishes, this month offers a prime opportunity to sow seeds and plant out a wide range of crops that will sustain your harvest through spring and into summer. For gardeners of all skill levels, April is ideal for both indoor seed-starting—think leeks, brassicas, lettuce, tomatoes and members of the cucurbit family—and direct sowing outdoors of cool-season favourites like broad beans, peas, carrots, radishes, rocket, spinach, beetroot and salsify. It’s also a great time to transplant hardy seedlings such as lettuce, cabbage and leeks, and to set out bulbs and roots like garlic, onions and potatoes once they’ve been hardened off. With thoughtful timing and a little soil preparation, you’ll be well on your way to a productive growing season.

April marks the true beginning of the gardening season. Discover the most important garden tasks to tackle now — from sowing vegetables and hardening off seedlings to protecting young plants from frost and pests.