Weather in April

April in the UK marks a significant transition as winter gives way to the blossoming of spring. For gardeners, understanding the weather patterns in April is essential for planning and optimising gardening activities. This month often brings a mix of sunshine, rain, and fluctuating temperatures, creating both opportunities and challenges for those tending to their outdoor spaces.

Increasing Temperatures

April generally sees a noticeable increase in temperatures, with daily highs averaging between 10°C and 15°C. As the air warms, many plants begin to wake from their winter dormancy. This change inspires gardeners to start planting seeds and nurturing seedlings. However, gardeners should remain cautious, as early spring can still bring chillier nights. Protecting tender plants with cloches or fleece covers during sudden drops in temperature ensures they remain healthy.

Rainfall Patterns

April is known for its unpredictable weather, often featuring a fair amount of rainfall. While the average precipitation can reach around 50-70 mm, this typically occurs in the form of showers rather than prolonged downpours. For gardeners, this means that soil moisture levels can fluctuate significantly. It’s crucial to monitor your garden beds to prevent waterlogged conditions, which can harm plant roots. On sunnier days, take advantage of the opportunity to check drainage and make improvements where necessary.

Sunshine Hours

As daylight increases with the onset of spring, April boasts approximately 13 to 15 hours of daylight. This surge in light encourages photosynthesis and helps plants grow vigorously. Gardeners should consider positioning plants to maximise sunlight exposure, particularly for vegetables and flowering plants that thrive in bright conditions.

Frost Risks

While the risk of frost diminishes as the month progresses, it can still occur, particularly in early April. Gardeners should remain vigilant and check local frost forecasts. Using protective coverings for young or sensitive plants may prevent freeze damage during colder nights.

Planning for Pests

The combination of warmer temperatures and increased moisture can also lead to an uptick in garden pests. Aphids, slugs, and snails become more active as spring unfolds. Gardeners should inspect their plants regularly and employ organic pest control methods, such as introducing beneficial insects or using natural repellents.

Embrace April’s Opportunities

April presents an exciting opportunity for gardeners to prepare for the vibrant growing season ahead. With the right knowledge of weather patterns, you can make informed decisions about planting, protecting your crops, and managing pests. By embracing the fluctuations of spring weather, you can create a thriving garden that will provide beauty and bounty as the year unfolds.

General Considerations for Gardening in April

April heralds the arrival of spring in the UK, transforming gardens into vibrant spaces full of life. For gardeners, this month offers a variety of opportunities and responsibilities. Understanding key considerations for gardening in April can help you maximise your garden’s potential and ensure a thriving outdoor space.

Embrace the Warmer Weather

As temperatures rise, April often brings a welcome return to gardening activities. The risk of frost decreases, especially toward the end of the month, making it an ideal time to start sowing seeds directly in the garden. Consider planting hardy annuals and vegetables like peas, carrots, and radishes. By taking advantage of the milder weather, you can enjoy a productive garden throughout the season.

Prepare for Planting

Before you dive into planting, take the time to prepare your soil. April is perfect for enriching your garden beds with organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure. This addition improves soil structure, promoting healthy root growth and enhancing nutrient availability. Make sure to weed your beds thoroughly to prevent competition for nutrients and moisture.

Monitor Soil Moisture

April can bring varied weather patterns, from sunny days to downpours. It’s essential to monitor soil moisture levels to ensure your plants receive adequate hydration. Water early in the morning or late in the afternoon to minimise evaporation. If heavy rain saturates the soil, check for any drainage issues that could lead to waterlogging, which can harm plant roots.

Prune and Deadhead

Spring is an excellent time for pruning and deadheading. Many shrubs and flowering plants will benefit from a careful trim, encouraging new growth and preventing overcrowding. Remove spent blooms to promote further flowering and maintain the plants’ aesthetic appeal. Always use sharp, clean tools to ensure smooth cuts and reduce the risk of disease.

Plan for Pests and Diseases

As your garden comes to life, so do pests and diseases. Stay vigilant for signs of trouble, such as aphids or snails, which can damage young plants. Use organic methods, such as introducing beneficial insects or applying diatomaceous earth, to control infestations. Regularly inspecting your plants will help you catch problems early before they escalate.

Enhance Your Outdoor Space

April is also a great time to consider landscaping projects. If you want to add new features, such as pathways or flower beds, start planning now. Incorporating decorative elements like garden furniture or trellises can enhance the overall appeal and functionality of your garden space.

In summary, April stands as a dynamic month for gardeners in the UK. By embracing the warmer weather, preparing your soil, monitoring moisture, pruning wisely, staying vigilant against pests, and enhancing your outdoor space, you can create a vibrant and flourishing garden. Delight in the beauty of spring as it unfolds, and enjoy the fruits of your labour for months to come!

Lawns

April is the ideal time to give your lawn the attention it needs after the winter months. A well-maintained lawn is not only the foundation of a beautiful garden but also provides a versatile space for family activities and relaxation.

Mowing and Edging

As temperatures rise, your lawn will begin to grow more vigorously. Start mowing regularly, but avoid cutting the grass too short in early spring. Set your mower blades to a higher setting, aiming to remove only the top third of the grass blades. This approach encourages strong root development and helps the lawn resist drought and weed invasion. Don’t forget to edge your lawn for a crisp, clean look that will enhance the overall appearance of your garden.

Feeding and Weeding

Feeding your lawn in April provides the nutrients it needs to thrive throughout the growing season. Use a spring lawn fertiliser rich in nitrogen to encourage lush, green growth. This is also an excellent time to tackle weeds. Apply a weed and feed product or manually remove any persistent weeds like dandelions and clover. Regular weeding now will save you time and effort later in the season.

Aeration and Scarification

April is an ideal month for aerating your lawn, especially if the soil is compacted. Use a garden fork or an aerator to create small holes in the soil, allowing air, water, and nutrients to penetrate the grass roots more effectively. If your lawn has developed a thick layer of thatch, consider scarifying it. Scarification removes dead grass, moss, and other debris, improving air circulation and promoting healthy new growth.

Reseeding Bare Patches

If your lawn has bare patches, now is the time to reseed them. Loosen the soil in the affected areas, sow grass seed, and cover it lightly with topsoil. Keep the area moist until the seeds germinate and establish.

Roses

Roses are the quintessential garden plant, known for their timeless beauty and fragrance. April is a critical month for rose care, as the new growing season begins in earnest.

Pruning Roses

If you didn’t prune your roses in late winter, early April is your last chance before new growth becomes too vigorous. Pruning is essential for shaping the plant, encouraging healthy growth, and increasing flower production. Remove any dead or damaged wood, cut back the previous year’s growth by about one-third, and shape the plant to ensure good air circulation. For climbing roses, tie in any new shoots to their supports.

Feeding and Mulching

Roses are heavy feeders, and April is the time to give them a boost. Apply a balanced fertiliser or a rose-specific feed around the base of the plants. After feeding, apply a layer of mulch, such as well-rotted manure or compost, around the base of your roses. Mulching helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil fertility. Be sure to keep the mulch away from the stems to prevent rot.

Pest and Disease Control

April is also the time to start monitoring for common rose pests and diseases. Keep an eye out for aphids, which can cluster around new shoots, and deal with them promptly either by hand or with an appropriate insecticidal soap. Black spot and mildew can become problems as the weather warms up, so ensure good air circulation around your plants and consider applying a preventative fungicide.

Feeding and Mulching

Like roses, herbaceous plants will benefit from a feed in April to promote healthy growth and abundant flowering. Apply a balanced fertiliser around the base of the plants and then mulch with organic material such as compost or well-rotted manure. Mulching not only feeds the plants but also helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Supporting Growing Plants

As herbaceous plants begin to grow, they may need support to prevent them from flopping over later in the season. Install plant supports or stakes now, while the plants are still small, to avoid damaging their roots. By putting supports in place early, the plants will grow up through them, hiding the supports and creating a more natural look.

Dahlias and Other Bulbs

Dahlias are a summer garden favourite, known for their stunning flowers that come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colours. April is the time to prepare these and other summer-flowering bulbs for planting.

Preparing Dahlia Tubers for Planting

If you’ve stored dahlia tubers over winter, April is the time to bring them out and prepare them for planting. Inspect the tubers for any signs of rot or damage, and remove any affected areas with a clean, sharp knife. If the tubers are large, you can divide them into smaller sections, ensuring each section has at least one eye (the growing point). Start them off in pots indoors or in a greenhouse to give them a head start, and plant them out after the last frost.

Planting Summer Bulbs

April is your last chance to plant any summer-flowering bulbs that you didn’t get around to planting earlier. Bulbs such as alliums and lilies can still be planted now, although they may flower a little later than usual. Ensure they are planted at the correct depth, generally three times the height of the bulb, and in well-drained soil.

Caring for Emerging Bulbs

As bulbs begin to emerge, take care to support taller varieties that may be prone to flopping over. Keep an eye out for slugs and snails, which can quickly decimate young shoots. Apply slug pellets, copper tape, or other organic deterrents to protect your plants. Once bulbs have finished flowering, deadhead them to prevent them from wasting energy on seed production, but leave the foliage to die back naturally.

Flowers from Seed

Growing flowers from seed is a rewarding and cost-effective way to fill your garden with colour. April is the ideal time to start sowing a wide variety of flowers.

Sowing Annuals

April is the month to sow hardy annuals directly into the ground. These include flowers such as calendula, cornflowers, and poppies. Prepare the soil by removing weeds and raking it to a fine tilth. Sow the seeds thinly in drills or broadcast them for a more natural effect. Keep the soil moist and protect young seedlings from pests like slugs and snails.

Thinning Seedlings

Once your seeds have germinated and the seedlings have grown large enough to handle, it’s important to thin them out to prevent overcrowding. Thin them to the recommended spacing on the seed packet, usually when the seedlings have two sets of true leaves. Use the thinned-out seedlings to fill gaps in other parts of the garden or give them to friends and neighbours.

Hardening Off Young Plants

If you’ve started seeds indoors or in a greenhouse, April is the time to start hardening off young plants before moving them outside. Hardening off is the process of gradually acclimatising plants to outdoor conditions. Start by placing them outside during the day and bringing them in at night, gradually increasing the time they spend outdoors over a week or two. This process helps to reduce transplant shock and ensures your plants are strong enough to withstand the elements.

Vegetable Garden

As April arrives in the UK, gardeners eagerly step outside to prepare their vegetable plots for a fruitful growing season. The longer days and warmer temperatures provide the perfect opportunity to get busy in the garden. From sowing seeds to caring for established plants, April offers plenty of tasks to keep your vegetable garden thriving. Let’s dive into what you can do with your vegetables this month.

Sow Seeds Outdoors

April marks the ideal time to sow various seeds directly into your garden plot. You can start with hardy vegetables such as carrots, beetroot, radishes, and lettuce. Prepare your soil by ensuring it is well-drained and crumbly, breaking up any clumps. Sow your seeds in rows and cover them lightly with soil. Don’t forget to label your rows, so you remember what you’ve planted.

Plant Potatoes

This month is also perfect for planting second-early and maincrop potatoes. If you’ve chitted your seed potatoes, it’s time to plant them about 10-15cm deep, spaced roughly 30cm apart. Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil and consider adding some compost to ensure healthy growth. Cover them with soil, and as they begin to sprout, you can earth them up.

Transplant Seedlings

If you’ve started broad beans, cabbages, or other seedlings indoors, now is the time to harden them off by placing them outside for a few hours each day. Gradually increase their exposure to outdoor conditions over a week before transplanting them into your garden. Make sure to space them adequately to allow for their growth.

Maintain Weeds and Pests

April brings the first signs of weeds emerging in your vegetable patch. Regular hoeing and pulling can keep them at bay, making sure they don’t compete for nutrients. Keep an eye out for pests such as aphids and caterpillars on your young plants. Look out for natural solutions or organic pesticides if you notice any infestations.

Harvesting Early Varieties

Some gardeners are lucky enough to enjoy early harvests in April. If you’ve planted winter crops like leeks, kale, or overwintered sprouting broccoli, check for maturity and start harvesting when ready.

Prepare for Late Sowing

Finally, prepare for the next wave of planting. Gather your seeds for warmer-weather crops like beans, courgettes, and tomatoes. You can start sowing these seeds indoors as the month progresses, readying them for transplanting after the last frost.

Rock Garden Maintenance

If you have an established rock garden, April is the time to tidy it up. Remove any dead or diseased plant material, and clear away fallen leaves or debris that could smother your plants. Replenish gravel or mulch if needed, and check that the rocks are still stable and providing adequate support for the plants. This is also a good time to divide and replant any overcrowded alpines to give them more space to grow.

Water Plants and Ponds

A well-maintained pond can be a stunning focal point in your garden, providing a habitat for wildlife and a tranquil space for relaxation. April is the time to start preparing your pond and water plants for the coming season.

Cleaning and Refilling Ponds

As the weather warms up, it’s important to clean your pond to remove any debris that has accumulated over the winter. Use a net to remove leaves, twigs, and other debris from the water, and clean out the pond filter if you have one. If the water level has dropped, top it up with rainwater or dechlorinated tap water. It’s also a good time to check the pond liner for any signs of damage and make repairs if necessary.

Planting Marginal and Aquatic Plants

April is the ideal time to plant new marginal and aquatic plants around your pond. Marginal plants, such as irises and marsh marigolds, thrive in the shallow water at the pond’s edge, while aquatic plants like water lilies prefer deeper water. When planting aquatic plants, place them in baskets filled with aquatic compost and lower them into the water at the appropriate depth. Marginal plants can be planted directly into the soil at the pond’s edge or in shallow water.

Managing Fish and Wildlife

If you have fish in your pond, start feeding them again in April as the water temperature rises. Use a quality fish food that is appropriate for the species you have. It’s also important to check for any signs of disease or parasites and treat them promptly. Encouraging wildlife, such as frogs, newts, and dragonflies, can help keep your pond healthy and balanced. Avoid using chemical treatments that could harm wildlife, and instead, focus on maintaining a clean and natural pond environment.

Greenhouses

A greenhouse is a valuable asset for any gardener, allowing you to extend the growing season and provide a protected environment for tender plants. April is a busy month in the greenhouse as seedlings and young plants start to take off.

Sowing Tender Plants

April is the perfect time to sow tender plants such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers in your greenhouse. Sow seeds in pots or trays filled with seed compost, and place them in a warm, sunny spot. Keep the compost moist but not waterlogged, and provide plenty of light to encourage strong growth. Once the seedlings have developed two sets of true leaves, they can be potted on into larger containers.

Ventilation and Temperature Control

As the days warm up, it’s essential to monitor the temperature in your greenhouse. On sunny days, the temperature can rise rapidly, so make sure to ventilate by opening vents or doors to prevent overheating. If your greenhouse has automatic vent openers, check that they are functioning correctly. You can also use shading, such as netting or whitewash, to reduce the amount of direct sunlight entering the greenhouse.

Managing Humidity and Pests

High humidity in the greenhouse can lead to problems with fungal diseases such as mildew and botrytis. To reduce humidity, avoid overwatering and ensure good air circulation by spacing plants out and keeping the greenhouse well-ventilated. Keep an eye out for common greenhouse pests like aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites. Regularly inspect your plants and deal with any infestations promptly using insecticidal soap or biological controls.

Shrubs

Shrubs provide structure and form to the garden, offering year-round interest with their foliage, flowers, and berries. April is an important month for pruning, feeding, and planting shrubs.

Pruning Early-Flowering Shrubs

Many shrubs that flower in early spring, such as forsythia and flowering currant, should be pruned immediately after they finish blooming. Pruning at this time encourages strong new growth and ensures a good display of flowers the following year. Cut back any flowering shoots to a healthy pair of buds, and remove any dead or diseased wood. If the shrub has become too large or congested, you can also thin it out by removing some of the older stems at the base.

Feeding and Mulching

April is the time to feed your shrubs to support their growth throughout the growing season. Apply a balanced fertiliser around the base of each shrub, and then mulch with organic material such as compost, leaf mould, or well-rotted manure. Mulching helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil structure. Be sure to keep the mulch away from the base of the shrub to prevent rot.

Planting New Shrubs

If you’re adding new shrubs to your garden, April is a great time to plant them. The soil is warming up, and the plants will have plenty of time to establish before the heat of summer. Choose a suitable spot for your shrub, considering its mature size and light requirements. Dig a hole that is twice as wide and the same depth as the root ball, and mix in some compost or organic matter. Place the shrub in the hole, backfill with soil, and water well.

Pruning and Shaping

Most deciduous trees should be pruned while they are still dormant or just as they begin to leaf out in spring. Pruning helps to shape the tree, remove dead or crossing branches, and improve air circulation. Use sharp, clean tools to make clean cuts, and avoid removing more than a third of the tree’s growth in a single year. For trees that bleed sap, such as birch and maple, it’s better to wait until later in the year to prune.

Planting and Staking Young Trees

If you’re planting a new tree in your garden, April is a good time to do it. Choose a suitable spot with enough space for the tree to grow to its full size. Dig a hole that is at least twice the width of the root ball and the same depth. Loosen the soil at the bottom of the hole to help the roots establish. Place the tree in the hole, backfill with soil, and water well. If the tree is tall or in a windy spot, stake it to prevent it from being damaged by strong winds.

Climbers

Climbers add vertical interest to the garden, covering walls, fences, and trellises with lush foliage and beautiful blooms. April is the time to train, prune, and plant climbers.

Supporting and Training Climbers

As climbers begin their vigorous spring growth, it’s important to provide them with the support they need. Check that trellises, wires, and other supports are secure and strong enough to hold the weight of the growing plant. Gently tie in new shoots using soft garden twine, ensuring that the plant is evenly distributed across the support. This will help to create a balanced and attractive display.

Pruning and Feeding

April is the time to prune early-flowering climbers such as Clematis montana and Wisteria. For Clematis, remove any dead or damaged stems, and trim back the flowering shoots to a pair of strong buds. Wisteria should be pruned back to three buds from the base of the flowering shoots. After pruning, apply a balanced fertiliser to encourage healthy growth and abundant flowering.

Planting New Climbers

Apply a balanced fertiliser around the base of your climbers to give them a nutrient boost as they come into active growth. Mulch with organic matter to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Planting New Climbers

If you’re planting new climbers, April is an excellent time to do so. Choose a suitable spot with good drainage and plenty of sunlight. Dig a hole that is twice the width of the root ball and mix in some compost or organic matter. Plant the climber at the same depth it was in the pot, and angle it slightly towards the support. Water well and mulch around the base to help retain moisture.

Rhododendrons and Azaleas

 Rhododendrons and azaleas are a favourite in UK gardens, known for their vibrant blooms and attractive foliage. April is a key month for their care.

Feeding and Mulching

Rhododendrons and Azaleas thrive in acidic soil, so it’s important to feed them with an ericaceous fertiliser in April. This will provide the nutrients they need to produce their stunning flowers. After feeding, apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Use organic material such as leaf mould, pine needles, or composted bark, which will also help to maintain the soil’s acidity.

Deadheading Spent Blooms

Once your Rhododendrons and Azaleas have finished flowering, it’s a good idea to deadhead the spent blooms. This prevents the plant from wasting energy on seed production and encourages it to put its energy into producing new growth. Gently snap off the dead flowers just above the first set of leaves, being careful not to damage the new buds that may be forming underneath.

Managing Soil Acidity

Rhododendrons and azaleas require acidic soil to thrive, so it’s important to monitor the pH level of your soil. If your soil is not naturally acidic, you can lower the pH by adding sulphur or using an ericaceous compost. Mulching with acidic materials such as pine needles can also help to maintain the right soil conditions. If you’re planting new Rhododendrons or Azaleas, consider creating a raised bed filled with ericaceous compost to provide the ideal environment for them.

Hedges

Hedges are an essential feature of many gardens, providing privacy, shelter, and a habitat for wildlife. April is the time to give them the care they need to look their best.

Trimming and Shaping

If your hedges have grown untidy over the winter, April is the time to trim and shape them. Use sharp hedge shears or a hedge trimmer to cut back any overgrown sections, creating a neat, even shape. For formal hedges, use a string line or stakes to guide your trimming and ensure a straight edge. If you’re trimming a flowering hedge, such as hawthorn or forsythia, wait until after it has finished flowering to avoid cutting off the blooms.

Feeding and Mulching

After trimming, it’s important to feed your hedge to promote healthy growth. Apply a balanced fertiliser along the base of the hedge, and then mulch with organic material such as compost or well-rotted manure. Mulching helps to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and improve the soil structure. Be sure to keep the mulch away from the stems of the hedge to prevent rot.

Planting New Hedges

If you’re planting a new hedge, April is a great time to do it. Choose a suitable spot with enough space for the hedge to grow to its full size. Dig a trench rather than individual holes, as this will encourage the hedge to grow as a continuous row. Mix in some compost or organic matter, and plant the hedge plants at the same depth they were in the pot. Water well after planting, and mulch around the base to help retain moisture.

Fruit

Growing your own fruit is one of the most rewarding aspects of gardening. April is a busy month for fruit growers, with plenty of tasks to ensure a bountiful harvest later in the year.

Pruning and Training Fruit Trees

If you didn’t get around to pruning your fruit trees in winter, April is your last chance before the trees come into full leaf. Focus on removing any dead, damaged, or crossing branches to improve air circulation and light penetration. For trained forms such as espaliers or cordons, continue to tie in new growth to their supports and maintain their shape.

Feeding and Mulching

Fruit trees and bushes are hungry plants, so it’s important to feed them in April to support their growth and fruit production. Apply a balanced fertiliser or a specific fruit fertiliser around the base of each plant. After feeding, mulch with organic material such as compost or well-rotted manure. Mulching helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil structure. Be sure to keep the mulch away from the base of the plants to prevent rot.

Protecting Blossoms from Frost

April can still bring frosty nights, which can damage the delicate blossoms of fruit trees and bushes. To protect your blossoms, cover the plants with horticultural fleece or old sheets on nights when frost is forecast. This is especially important for tender fruits like peaches and apricots, which are more susceptible to frost damage. If you have fruit trees in pots, consider moving them to a more sheltered spot during cold spells.

Houseplants

Houseplants bring greenery and life into the home, and April is a great time to give them some extra care and attention.

Repotting and Feeding

April is the ideal time to repot any houseplants that have outgrown their pots. Choose a pot that is one size larger than the current one, and use a good quality potting mix appropriate for the plant. Gently remove the plant from its old pot, loosen the roots, and place it in the new pot with fresh compost. Water well after repotting, and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser to encourage healthy growth.

Managing Light and Watering

As the days get longer and brighter, your houseplants will need more light to thrive. Move them to a spot where they can get plenty of indirect sunlight, but be careful not to place them in direct sunlight, which can scorch their leaves. Watering needs will also increase as the weather warms up, so check the soil regularly and water when the top inch is dry. Be sure to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.

Pest Control

Houseplants can be susceptible to pests such as aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs, especially as the weather warms up. Check your plants regularly for any signs of pests, and deal with them promptly using insecticidal soap or neem oil. For larger infestations, you may need to quarantine the affected plant to prevent the pests from spreading to your other plants.

Patios

A well-maintained patio can be an extension of your living space, providing a place to relax, entertain, and enjoy the garden. April is the time to get your patio ready for the summer months.

Cleaning and Repairing Patios

Winter can leave your patio looking dirty and neglected, so start by giving it a good clean. Sweep away any leaves and debris, and then use a pressure washer or stiff brush to remove any dirt, algae, or moss from the surface. If your patio has cracks or loose paving stones, now is the time to repair them. Use a suitable filler for cracks, and re-lay any loose stones with fresh mortar or sand.

Container Gardening

April is the perfect time to start planting up containers for your patio. Choose a mix of flowering plants, herbs, and small shrubs to create a colourful and fragrant display. Use good quality compost and ensure that your containers have adequate drainage. Water your containers regularly, especially in warm weather, and feed them with a liquid fertiliser every couple of weeks to keep the plants healthy and blooming.

Conclusion

April is a month of renewal and growth in the UK garden. With the right care and attention, your garden will burst into life, providing a beautiful and bountiful space for you to enjoy throughout the year. From lawns and roses to vegetables and houseplants, there’s plenty to keep you busy in the garden this month. By following the tips and advice in this article, you’ll be well on your way to creating a stunning and thriving garden that you can be proud of.

Check out the RHS Gardening in April article here

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