April is a perfect time to get your hands dirty in the garden!
As the first days of spring roll in, you can’t help but feel excited about the new gardening season ahead. After a long winter, the chill of winter is fading, and the soil is warming up just enough for your plants to thrive. You’re probably tired of relying on canned foods and root vegetables, but now it’s time to look forward to the fresh, homegrown produce you can harvest right from your own garden!
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, April is the perfect time to plant some easy-to-grow, high-yield vegetables. Let’s dive into the 15 best vegetables to plant this month and get your garden thriving!
What to Do Before Planting in April
Step 1: Order Your Seeds and Plants
Before you start digging, it’s time to order your vegetable seeds and plants. You can find seed catalogs online or pick up a paper version. Make sure to order from reputable sellers who offer high-quality, organic seeds. Don’t worry about storing your plants until it’s time to plant—many companies will ship your plants when it’s safe to plant them in your zone.
Step 2: Know Your Growing Zone
Your growing zone tells you when the last frost is likely to happen and when it’s safe to plant outdoors. Many online resources will help you figure out your specific growing zone based on your location. If you’re unsure, check with your local gardening center or County Extension Office for guidance.
Step 3: Start Planting!
Once you’ve got your seeds and know your planting dates, it’s time to dig into the garden! April can still have some chilly nights, so it’s important to keep an eye on the weather. Be prepared to cover your young plants if a late frost threatens.
15 Best Vegetables to Plant in April
Here are 15 vegetables that thrive when planted in April:
1. Peas
Peas love the cool spring weather and can even handle a light frost. These veggies germinate quickly in soil temperatures as low as 40°F, making them one of the first plants you can put in the ground. Try sugar snap peas or snow peas for a sweet, crunchy addition to your garden.
2. Spinach
Spinach is another cool-weather crop that you can plant in April. It’s so cold-tolerant that you can sow seeds on ground that’s just thawed. Just keep an eye out for birds—they love spinach seeds!
3. Lettuce
Lettuce loves the cool temperatures of early spring but can be sensitive to sudden cold snaps. For peace of mind, you might want to start your lettuce indoors and transplant it once the soil can be worked. Otherwise, you can plant it directly in the ground when the weather is right.
4. Radishes
Radishes are a fast-growing vegetable that can be harvested in as little as three to four weeks. They’re perfect for April planting because they don’t mind cooler temperatures and can be enjoyed in salads or roasted with a bit of oil and salt.
5. Broccoli
Broccoli is another cold-loving vegetable that grows best in the cool spring weather. Start your seeds indoors and transplant them into the garden around two weeks before the last expected frost. It’s a great addition to salads and soups or just roasted as a side dish.
6. Cauliflower
Like broccoli, cauliflower thrives in cool conditions. It’s a little more finicky than broccoli, as you’ll need to protect the cauliflower head from direct sunlight as it starts to form. But with a little attention, you’ll have delicious, homegrown cauliflower in no time.
7. Beets
Beets can be planted early in April. These root vegetables are hardy, and while their roots are the star, you can also harvest the tender green leaves for a fresh salad. Be sure to leave a few leaves on the plant so it can continue growing the beet root.
8. Swiss Chard
Swiss chard can handle the cold, but you’ll want to cover it if there’s a frost. Not only is Swiss chard tasty and versatile, but its bright, colorful stems make it an attractive addition to your garden.
9. Kohlrabi
This odd-looking vegetable grows best in cool weather. It’s a bulb that forms above the ground, and its sweet flavor is enhanced by cooler temperatures. Keep your kohlrabi protected from frost to ensure a successful harvest.
10. Cabbage
Cabbage is another cool-weather vegetable that thrives in April. Start your seeds indoors or direct sow them outside after the last frost. You’ll love having homegrown cabbage for salads, coleslaw, or stir-fries!
11. Carrots
Carrots can be planted early in April as they enjoy cooler soil. Make sure to give them plenty of space to grow, and be patient—the roots take a while to develop. Fresh carrots from your garden are definitely worth the wait.
12. Potatoes
Potatoes are a hearty vegetable that can survive a light frost. Plant them early in April, and as they start to grow, cover the stems to avoid bitterness. Freshly harvested potatoes are a treat, whether roasted, mashed, or fried.
13. Onions
Onions are another great vegetable to plant in April. They thrive in the cooler spring months and can be grown from seeds, sets, or transplants. Once they’ve sprouted, they’re low-maintenance and will be ready to harvest in the summer.
14. Garlic
If you didn’t plant garlic last fall, now’s your chance to get it in the ground. Garlic is perfect for April planting, as it requires a cold period to develop. You can expect a strong, flavorful harvest in late summer or fall.
15. Herbs
While herbs aren’t technically vegetables, they’re an essential part of any spring garden. Plant herbs like parsley, thyme, and rosemary in April, and you’ll have fresh herbs to season all your favorite dishes.
Spring Garden Tasks
In addition to planting your vegetables, don’t forget about other tasks to prepare your garden for the growing season. April is a great time to check your tools, tidy up your garden beds, and make sure your plants are ready for their spring growth spurt.
-
Check soil moisture: Spring can bring unexpected rain, so ensure your soil is well-drained to prevent waterlogging.
-
Inspect your garden fences: Repair any damage caused by winter storms and set up barriers to keep critters out.
-
Trim and tidy perennials: If you have perennials, now is the time to trim any dead growth to encourage fresh, healthy blooms.
-
Start composting: Gather spring raking debris, plant trimmings, and leaves to start a new compost pile for the season.
April is all about getting your garden ready for the growing season. Take your time, enjoy the process, and keep an eye on the weather to protect your young plants. Gardening is a rewarding and relaxing activity—so get outside and have fun!
Happy planting!
