April
Written by Tom Brown
Welcome to the April instalment of our 2026 Alitex Grow Guides. This month’s guide is written by Tom Brown, Head Gardener at West Dean Gardens, known for his thoughtful, hands-on approach to productive growing and working in harmony with nature. As the season gathers pace and sowing is in full swing, Tom shares practical advice on planning your seed schedule, improving germination success and making confident choices around compost and feeding. Drawing on his experience managing large glasshouses and kitchen gardens, he offers measured, experience-led guidance to help gardeners avoid common pitfalls, make the most of every seed and nurture strong, well-timed plants for the months ahead.
We recently visited Tom Brown at West Dean Gardens to hear more about his approach to growing and the work he leads across the kitchen garden and glasshouses. During our visit, Tom gave us a run down of what to expect from the April Grow Guide, sharing his top tips on seed sowing, compost choices and raising strong, well-timed plants.
The video below captures Tom introducing the guide, accompanied by a glimpse inside the greenhouses and some of the seedlings currently coming along. We’ll be sharing more from our visit very soon, so stay tuned over on our Instagram for further videos and behind-the-scenes moments.
Where to find out more
Instagram: @tombrowngardener
Website: westdean.ac.uk/tutors/tom-brown
In April, the greenhouse is in full momentum as sowing continues and young plants begin to establish. Tom Brown shares practical advice on planning your seed schedule, improving germination and making confident choices around compost and feeding, helping to set the foundation for a productive season ahead. Alongside this, he offers guidance on raising strong, well-timed plants and avoiding common pitfalls as the risk of frost gradually recedes. Drawing on his experience managing busy kitchen gardens and glasshouses, Tom supports growers through this vital stage, setting the tone for a successful and rewarding year of growing.
