Gardener shares how to grow 'free plants' with technique that can 'rejuvenate' flowers

Inside King Charles' garden at Highgrove as Alan Titchmarsh visits
BBC
Lewis Henderson

By Lewis Henderson


Published: 14/04/2025

- 22:50

Updated: 15/04/2025

- 15:45

The expert advised dividing your perennials and keeping your potted plants well-watered

As warmer days arrive in the UK, gardeners are faced with several tasks to complete for a beautiful outdoor space.

Gardener Ben has shared his advice on the most important jobs to undertake before the end of April, including how to obtain "free plants".


Speaking on his YouTube channel GardenWithBen, the expert said: "There are lots of different jobs you can do around the garden, and some of the most essential tasks should be done in April."

One task the gardener recommended was dividing perennials, which involves "digging them up to get them completely out the ground and splitting them into different sections".

Perennials in garden

The expert recommended dividing perennials in your garden

GETTY

Ben explained: "You could split them through the middle, into two or multiple sections. It might seem like you are destroying your plant by doing this, but trust me, you are not.

"You are actually rejuvenating them, and most perennials want to be divided every few years so they can get stronger and not too congested. This is a fantastic way of getting yourself free plants."

Another important task to complete is keeping potted plants hydrated as the weather warms up.

The gardening guru said: "You will be surprised how quickly things can dry out. Put your fingers into the soil and see if things are still moist; if not, you need to water them."

During springtime, you may notice your climbing plants shooting up and growing considerably - but it's important to keep them under control.

"If you do not tie up your shoots in the direction you want, they will flap around in the wind and risk being torn off, Ben explained.

"This will provide them with some extra protection and a safety net. From there on, they will grow stronger and will be able to do its own thing, which is really good."

It is also very important to "keep on top of weeding" at this time of year as your perennials, plants and shrubs start to grow.

Lilies in a potThe expert advised keeping your plants topped up with waterGETTY

Ben explained: "Weeds will get in their way and take away nutrients, so you want to keep on top of them during this growing season to give your plants a fighting chance. Ensure you get all the roots out of the ground, or they will return."

April is also the perfect month to start "sewing your grass seeds if you are trying to rejuvenate your lawn".

The YouTuber said: "We get a lot more sun and a lot of rain too, so it is the perfect combination for grass seed to grow.

"If you have any bare patches, you can seed them over or start a lawn from scratch."