Vegetables to Plant
Direct sow outdoors:
- Carrots: Sow seeds directly into loose, well-draining soil. Keep soil moist for consistent germination. Thin seedlings to about 2 inches apart once they sprout.
- Beets: Plant seeds about 1/2 inch deep. They prefer cooler temps and will mature in 50–70 days. Both roots and greens are edible.
- Lettuce: Quick to germinate in cool weather. Sow every 2 weeks for a continuous harvest (this is called succession planting).
- Spinach: Thrives in chilly soil. Plant seeds 1/2 inch deep; choose a spot with partial shade as spring warms up.
- Peas: Both shelling and snap peas love the cool weather. Trellis them early; they don’t climb well once they’re big.
- Radishes: Fastest growers — some mature in as little as 25 days. Sow directly and thin seedlings for the biggest roots.
- Swiss Chard: Sow now for a late spring harvest. Heat-tolerant once established, and you can cut the outer leaves and it keeps growing.
- Turnips: Another cool-loving root veggie. Harvest them young for tender flavor.
Transplant seedlings outdoors:
- Broccoli: Needs rich soil and lots of sun. Space plants 18 inches apart. Harvest before the heads loosen and flower.
- Cabbage: Plant with room to spread (about 18–24 inches apart). Protect from cabbage moths with row covers if possible.
- Cauliflower: Sensitive to temperature swings. Mulch around plants to keep the soil cool and moist.
- Kale: Extremely hardy and actually tastes sweeter after a light frost! Space about 12–18 inches apart.
- Collard Greens: Heat-tolerant but loves cool spring. Harvest outer leaves so the center keeps producing.
Start indoors (for transplant later):
- Tomatoes: Start seeds indoors in trays with good light. Transplant outside after the danger of frost, when nights are reliably above 50°F (10°C).
- Peppers: Need a warm soil temp (at least 60°F/16°C). Start inside under lights; move outside in late May/June.
- Eggplant: Loves heat, hates cold. Start indoors and don’t rush outdoor planting until nights are warm.
- Cucumbers: Fast growers once it’s warm. If sowing indoors, use biodegradable pots — cucumbers hate root disturbance.
- Squash: Start seeds in large pots indoors to get a head start. These grow quickly and transplant easily once it’s hot.
- Melons: Like squash, they want heat. Start indoors if you have a short growing season.
Herbs to Plant
Outdoors (direct sow or transplant):
- Parsley: Slow to germinate (~2-3 weeks), but hardy. Sow outdoors early. Prefers partial shade in hot areas.
- Cilantro: Loves cool temps and bolts (goes to seed) quickly when it’s hot. Sow now and again every few weeks.
- Dill: Easy and self-seeding. Plant where you want it to grow. Tall, so it may need staking.
- Chives: Hardy perennial herb. Plant once, harvest forever. Divide clumps every few years.
Start indoors (still sensitive to frost):
- Basil: Needs warmth. Start indoors now, transplant outdoors when temps are consistently over 60°F (15°C).
- Oregano: Hardy perennial but slow to start. Start inside and transplant after frost.
- Thyme: Low-growing, drought-tolerant. Start indoors or transplant small plants outside.
- Rosemary: Woody perennial in warm climates, but tender elsewhere. Best started indoors unless you live in a mild zone.
Flowers to Plant
Hardy annuals outdoors:
- Pansies: Cool-season favorites. Plant now for blooms into early summer.
- Sweet Peas: Early sowing gives stronger vines and longer bloom time. Needs trellis support.
- Calendula: Bright yellow/orange blooms. Edible and great companion plants for veggies.
- Nasturtiums: Sow directly outdoors. Edible flowers and leaves. Poor soil actually improves bloom production.
Tender annuals indoors:
- Marigolds: Start inside to get an early jump. Transplant after frost.
- Zinnias: Love heat. Start now indoors for early summer blooms.
- Cosmos: Easy to grow; sow now inside or outside once warm.
- Sunflowers: Start indoors or directly sow when soil reaches about 55°F (13°C).
Key April Gardening Tips
- Watch the frost dates: Know your last expected frost date! A single cold night can kill young plants.
- Warm up the soil: Use black plastic mulch or covers to warm soil for tender crops.
- Harden off indoor seedlings: Gradually introduce plants to outdoor conditions (a few hours a day) before transplanting fully.
- Weed early: Weed seedlings compete aggressively with young vegetable starts. Keep beds clean now for easier maintenance later.
