In many parts of the U.S., April is the perfect time to plant a variety of spring and early summer crops. The weather is finally warming up, days are getting longer, and new vegetation is beginning to thrive.
Hoping to plant your own crops this spring, but not sure where to start? Keep reading as we explore some great vegetables you can add to your garden in April.
1. Broccoli
If you live in a cooler climate, broccoli is one of the best vegetables to plant in April. This cold-loving brassica can be planted as early as a few weeks before your average last frost date.
You can start your broccoli plants indoors or plant them directly in your garden. Make sure they receive plenty of sunlight, and water them regularly, especially in dry weather. Harvest the flowering heads that develop before they begin to bloom.
2. Potatoes
Potatoes do best when planted in cooler weather, especially varieties that have longer growing seasons. At the same time, they are frost-sensitive, so you don’t want to plant them too early. Planting them in April is ideal in many regions.
You can plant whole sprouted potatoes or cut them in half for more plants. Bury them several inches deep in loose, well-draining soil. Surrounding the plants with mulch can help protect the developing potatoes from sun exposure as they grow. When the plants die back in the summer, the potatoes are ready to harvest.
3. Carrots
Carrots are tasty spring vegetables that do well in both cool and warm weather. Planting them in April and allowing them to grow through early- to mid-summer is usually best, depending on the variety.
Plant carrot seeds directly into the garden. They do well in average soil that has been loosened and cleared of debris (such as sticks or rocks). For best results, thin your carrot seedlings as they grow to give them plenty of space to develop. Harvest when the leaf-end of the carrot has grown to the average size for the specific carrot variety (often one-half to one inch).
4. Lettuce
There are many varieties of lettuce. Most are cool-weather crops with short growing seasons, making them a perfect candidate for April planting whether you are starting them from seed or are transplanting young seedlings.
Plant your lettuce in loose, loamy soil amended with compost for best results. Make sure it receives plenty of water as it grows. Many varieties can tolerate partial shade, especially as the weather warms up. Harvest in early- to mid-summer when heads have formed or before the plants begin to flower.
5. Turnips
Turnips are a member of the brassica family, meaning they are related to broccoli. These popular southern root veggies prefer cooler weather but can tolerate some early-summer heat.
You can plant turnip seeds or seedlings in early April in many places. As they grow, thin them to allow the roots to develop into their bulbous shape. You can harvest and use the greens throughout summer and harvest the roots when they have reached the average diameter for your specific variety (usually three to four inches).
6. Radishes
Many radish varieties prefer cool weather. You can plant them well before April, especially in warmer climates, but April is an ideal time for planting in many regions.
As with carrots and turnips, thin your radish seedlings as they grow to give the roots space to develop. Water them regularly and harvest them before the plants begin to flower in late spring through early summer.
7. Zucchini
Zucchini is a popular summer crop because it’s easy to grow, and many varieties begin fruiting very quickly. However, this is a summer-loving veggie, so it’s important to make sure all chance of frost has passed before planting it.
If you live in warmer climates, you can plant zucchini in April. Direct-sow seeds in your garden, allowing plenty of space between each seed for the plants to spread out. Harvest your zucchinis when they are eight to ten inches long.
8. Summer Squash
Summer squash is another warm-loving plant you can start as early as April in some climates. Make sure all frost danger has passed before planting.
Direct-sow squash seeds in well-draining soil, giving them plenty of space to spread out. Most summer squash varieties produce bushes that look similar to zucchini plants. Harvest fruits when they are eight to ten inches long and completely yellow.
9. Tomatoes
Tomatoes love warm weather as long as it doesn’t get too hot; most varieties begin dropping their flowers if temperatures rise above 90 degrees. Whether you’re starting from seed in cooler climates or planting seedlings, you can plant tomatoes outside in April.
Bear in mind that tomatoes are frost-sensitive, so you may want to plant them later in the month or ensure you have a way to protect them on unseasonably cold nights. Water them well throughout the summer, and harvest tomatoes as soon as they have turned color.
10. Eggplant
Eggplant is another popular summer crop. You can start eggplant seeds inside and transplant seedlings in April, or you can plant seeds directly in the garden as the weather warms up.
Water eggplant plants regularly, and cover plants in case of any late-season frosts. They are ready to harvest when they have turned color and reached the average size for your particular variety.
Ready to Start Planting?
As you can see, there are plenty of seed varieties you can plant in April. If you don’t already have them, get your seeds at Sarah’s Seed Shop today!
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