Accessible Gardening in April

Discover what to plant in April. Veggies, fruits, and flowers planting indoors and outdoors, and the most common activities for the month.

As spring blossoms and temperatures rise, avid gardeners and green thumbs alike eagerly embrace the opportunities that April brings. This transitional month in the Northern Hemisphere heralds the beginning of the prime planting season, offering a wealth of possibilities for creating a flourishing garden. Whether you have a backyard oasis, a balcony, or even just a sunny windowsill, April presents an ideal time to dig into the earth and sow the seeds of abundance.

Discover the delight of cultivating your own fresh produce as we delve into the best choices for April planting. From vibrant tomatoes and peppers bursting with flavor to aromatic herbs that elevate culinary creations, we will unveil the secrets to successfully starting these seeds indoors and preparing them for a seamless transition to the great outdoors.

In this comprehensive planting guide, we will explore the diverse array of vegetables, herbs, and flowers that can be sown and nurtured in April. From beloved warm-season crops that crave the summer sun to cool-season varieties that thrive in the lingering chill, April offers a delicate balance between the seasons. By seizing this window of opportunity, you can jump-start your garden’s productivity and set the stage for a fruitful harvest throughout the year.

Looking for a different month? Check the Calendar.

What to Plant Indoors in April

In April, for indoor planting in the Northern Hemisphere, you can focus on starting seeds of warm-season crops that require a longer growing season before they can be transplanted outdoors. Here are some vegetables and herbs that can be planted indoors in April:

Tomatoes: Start tomato seeds indoors in April to give them a head start before transplanting them outdoors once the risk of frost has passed.
Peppers: Similar to tomatoes, peppers benefit from an early start indoors. Start pepper seeds in April to allow them enough time to grow before transplanting them outdoors.
Eggplants: Eggplants also require a longer growing season, so starting them indoors in April is a good idea. Once the seedlings are established and the weather warms up, they can be moved to the garden.
Cucumbers: Cucumbers are warm-season crops that appreciate a longer growing period. Starting cucumber seeds indoors in April will help ensure a bountiful harvest when the weather is suitable for outdoor planting.
Herbs: Many herbs can be started from seeds indoors in April. Popular choices include basil, cilantro, dill, parsley, and chives. These herbs can later be transplanted into larger pots or the garden.
Squash and zucchini: If you have enough indoor space, starting squash and zucchini seeds indoors in April can give them a head start. Transplant the seedlings outdoors when the weather and soil conditions are favorable.

Remember to provide appropriate light, warmth, and moisture for successful indoor seed starting. Additionally, check the specific requirements for each plant variety and adjust the planting schedule based on your local climate and frost dates.

What to Plant Outdoors in April

In the Northern Hemisphere, April is a month when the weather begins to warm up, and gardeners can start planting a wide range of cool-season and warm-season crops outdoors. Here are some vegetables, herbs, and flowers that you can plant directly into the soil in April:

Cool-Season Crops and Vegetables

Leafy Greens: Lettuce, arugula, kale, spinach, and Swiss chard are excellent choices for April planting. They thrive in cooler temperatures and can be harvested for fresh salads.
Root Vegetables: Beets, radishes, carrots, and turnips can be sown directly into the soil in April. These crops prefer the cool weather of early spring for optimal growth.
Peas: Snap peas, snow peas, and shelling peas are legumes that can be planted in April because they love the cold! Provide them with support for climbing as they grow.
Brassicas: Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts can be started from seed or transplants in April. These crops appreciate the cooler temperatures of early spring.

Warm-Season Crops and Vegetables

Tomatoes: Once the risk of frost has passed, you can transplant tomato seedlings outdoors in April. Choose from a variety of tomato cultivars based on your preferences and garden space.
Peppers: Sweet peppers and hot peppers, such as bell peppers and jalapenos, can be planted outdoors in April. Make sure to select a sunny spot for optimal growth.
Cucumbers: Cucumber plants thrive in warm weather. Plant cucumber seeds or transplants in April and provide them with trellises or support structures as they grow.
Zucchini and Squash: These fast-growing summer squash varieties can be planted in April. They require ample space and benefit from regular watering.

Herbs

Herbs like basil, dill, cilantro, parsley, mint, and chives can be sown directly into the soil in April. They will thrive in the increasing warmth of spring and add fresh flavors to your culinary creations.

Flowers

Annuals and Perennials: April is an ideal time to sow flower seeds of popular annuals like marigolds, zinnias, cosmos, and sunflowers. Perennials such as lupines, daisies, and coneflowers can also be planted outdoors.

Remember to consider your specific growing zone and local climate conditions when planning your outdoor plantings. Check the frost dates and soil temperature recommendations for your region to ensure successful germination and growth. Happy gardening!