Spring is in full swing, which means it's a great month to get into the garden to complete some jobs. This includes weeding and cleaning the patio, but according to a gardening expert, there's also plenty more to be doing.

James Ewens, gardening and wildlife expert at Green Feathers, said: "Spring has sprung, and now is the perfect time to get back into our gardens, whether that's solely for relaxing, pottering around, hosting family and friends, bird watching or doing some spring summer gardening. You don't need to do a dramatic overhaul of your garden, and your list of gardening jobs doesn't need to be extensive and overwhelming. With just a few simple jobs, like performing your first lawn cut, planting, supporting wildlife and controlling weeds, you're all set for the warmer months."

Time to mow

James said: "By April, grass growth is usually in full swing nationwide. Once temperatures consistently stay above 6C, it may well be time for your first lawn cut of the year.

"Ensure the weather is dry and mild so as not to damage your lawn, and raise the blade to the highest setting for the first few cuts to avoid damaging the unmowed grass."

Tackle weeds

Weeds are rife as the weather gets warmer, growing in patio cracks, on the driveway and even on the lawn.

James recommended tackling them early in April to prevent them from spreading. He added: "Regularly digging up weeds on dry days is one of the simplest and most effective ways to control weeds - albeit slightly labour intensive!

"Once beds are clear, applying a layer of mulch - such as compost, bark, or well-rotted manure - helps suppress weeds, retain moisture, and improve the soil quality."

Take care of wildlife

April is the prime breeding and nesting season for wildlife, so it's recommended to keep bird feeders topped up and have a consistent supply of water for birds to bathe and hydrate in.

James said: "Bonus points if you have a nest box for bird populations, providing bird families with a safe haven in your garden is not only crucial for their survival, but very fulfilling, too.

"Resist the urge to over-tidy as it provides vital natural food and shelter for birds, insects and hedgehogs. Leaving piles of logs, leaves, or branches offers safe refuge for hedgehogs and insects."

Planting

There are many things to plant in April, and it's actually one of the busiest months on the gardening calendar.

The milder weather makes it a great time to plant dahlias, gladioli and hardy annuals like marigolds. Herbs such as basil, parsley and coriander are also best planted now.

James noted: "April is ideal for creating edible gardens, you can sow vegetables outdoors like beetroot, carrots, lettuce, potatoes, and spinach - they come at the perfect time for BBQ season."

Tidy up

The gardening expert said: "Hosting season is just around the corner, and a messy garden can be a little uneasy on the eye, and inconvenient. Thankfully, you can tidy up your garden without compromising on the well-being of the wildlife in it.

"Focus on light maintenance, like finally recycling or reusing those broken plant pots, organising and storing tools, and something as simple as sweeping up your paths and tidying up your garden borders.

"To support wildlife conservation, leave some natural areas undisturbed like log piles, leaves, and dense shrubs - they provide essential shelter and nesting materials for birds, hedgehogs and insects. Think of it as an organised mess; it can still be neat and tidy, but beneficial for our wildlife populations."