April mark an exciting time in the gardening calendar as leaping unfeignedly takes grip and the grime begin to warm . For enthusiastic nurseryman , this calendar month offers the perfect opportunity to inseminate a variety of vegetable that will supply liberal harvests throughout summertime and autumn .
This guide to vegetable to plant in April will help you make the most of April ’s planting window .
Understanding Your Hardiness Zone
Before diving into planting , it ’s essential to see your local mood conditions through hardiness zone . These zones help oneself square up which plant will prosper in your specific area and when to implant them .
For US Gardeners
The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map divides North America into 13 zones ground on average yearly minimal winter temperature . In April :
For UK Gardeners
The UK uses the Royal Horticultural Society ’s hardiness military rating system , which ranges from H1 ( tropic ) to H7 ( very hardy ):
Now let ’s explore ten vegetable perfectly suit for April planting , regardless of your location ( with timing adjustments based on your specific zone ) .
1. Carrots (Daucus carota subsp. sativus)
Sun necessity : Full Lord’s Day , tolerates partial shadePlant Size : 6 - 12 inch tall , narrow-minded course 2 - 3 inches apartWhy produce Them : Carrots are versatile kitchen basic that taste importantly well when homegrown . Their sweetened flavor develops as they age , and they can be glean at various sizes depend on preference .
Sowing Guide : Carrot seeds should be sown directly into the ground , as they do n’t transplant well due to their ticklish tap root . Prepare a bed with loose , gem - free soil to a depth of 12 inch . Sow seeds thinly in row 12 inch apart , traverse with ¼ column inch of all right grease . Keep soil systematically moist until germination , which typically takes 14 - 21 days .
When and How to Harvest : Carrots are ready to glean 60 - 80 days after sowing , calculate on the variety . Baby cultivated carrot can be harvested earlier . Look for bright color and a diameter of ½-¾ inch at the top . To reap , tease apart the soil around the Daucus carota sativa and gently pull from the al-Qaida of the greens .
Beetroot bypenelope waitsis licensed under CC BY 2.0
Recommended Varieties :
2. Beetroot (Beta vulgaris)
Sun necessary : Full sunlight to fond shadePlant Size : 12 - 18 inches tall with a spread of 4 - 6 inchesWhy Grow Them : Beetroot is an incredibly versatile veg — both the root and leave are comestible . They ’re packed with nutrients , easy to grow , and store well for winter economic consumption .
Sowing Guide : Beetroot seeds can be sown directly outdoors in April . Each “ seed ” is actually a cluster containing several seeds . Sow 1 column inch apart in rows 12 inches apart , at a depth of about ½ in . Thin seedlings to 3 - 4 inches apart when they reach 1 in tall . Beetroot prefers well - enfeeble stain with plenty of organic matter .
When and How to Harvest : Beetroot is typically ready to harvest 7 - 10 weeks after sow in . For tender , young common beet , harvest home when they reach golf ball size ( about 1½ inches in diameter ) . For store , permit them to uprise to tennis ball size ( about 3 inches ) . Twist off the foliation about 1 inch above the root to preclude hemorrhage , and use the young folio in salads .
Beetroot bypenelope waitsis licensed under CC BY 2.0
3. Spinach (Spinacia oleracea)
Sun Requirements : Full sun to partial shade ( choose fond shade in warmer zones)Plant Size : 6 - 12 in tall with a spread of 12 inchesWhy originate It : Spinach is a nutritionary powerhouse and one of the first vegetables ready for harvest time in spring . It ’s promptly - grow and arrant for successive sowings .
Sowing Guide : Sow prickly-seeded spinach seed immediately in the garden ½ in cryptic and 2 inches apart in rows 12 column inch asunder . Once seedlings emerge , thin to 4 - 6 inches asunder . Spinach prefers nerveless weather and will beetle off ( go to seed ) when temperatures rise above 75 ° F ( 24 ° C ) , so plant life early in April for proficient results , especially in warmer zones .
When and How to Harvest : Spinach can be harvest just 4 - 6 week after sow . For uninterrupted harvest time , pick outer leaves as needed , allowing the nerve center to uphold growing . or else , slue the intact plant 1 inch above soil level , and it will likely regrow for a 2nd harvest . harvesting in the morning for the best flavor .
4. Peas (Pisum sativum)
Sun Requirements : Full sun to partial shadePlant Size : 2 - 8 feet tall depending on variety show ( dwarf vs. climbing)Why Grow Them : Fresh peas are a Revelation of Saint John the Divine compared to their frozen or canned counterparts . They ’re one of spring ’s first dainty , comfortable to develop , and their nitrogen - touch on belongings improve stain wellness .
Sowing Guide : Sow pea directly outdoors 1 inch cryptical and 2 inches asunder in double row 6 inch apart . Provide support for go up diversity from the start . pea prefer nerveless conditions and well - enfeeble dirt high-pitched in constitutive matter but not pertly muck . Pre - soaking seeds for 24 hours can improve germination .
When and How to Harvest : Peas are ready to reap 60 - 70 Clarence Shepard Day Jr. after sow . For shelling peas , harvest when pods feel full but before they become hard or yellow . For snap and snow pea , harvest when seedcase reach full distance but before peas inside fully develop . Pick on a regular basis to encourage further output . expend both hands to pick pea — one to hold the vine and one to draw out the pod — to avoid damage the industrial plant .
5. Radishes (Raphanus sativus)
Sun Requirements : Full sun to fond shadePlant Size : 6 - 12 inches tall with a spread of 2 - 3 inchesWhy Grow Them : daikon are one of the fastest - growing vegetables , providing nearly clamant gratification for raring nurseryman . They ’re everlasting for interplanting with slower - growing crops and total a naughty compaction to salad .
seed Guide : Sow radish seeds directly in the garden ½ column inch deep and 1 inch apart in row 6 column inch aside . Thin to 2 inches apart once seedlings emerge . Raphanus sativus favour cool atmospheric condition and consistent wet . For a continuous harvesting , sow little batches every 10 days .
When and How to glean : fountain radishes are typically ready to glean just 3 - 4 weeks after seed . Check size of it by brushing away a number of soil — most varieties should be harvest when they reach 1 inch in diameter . Larger radishes may become pithy or hot . only pull the entire plant life from the ground . Radishes are best eaten fresh , as they do n’t store well .
6. Lettuce (Lactuca sativa)
Sun requirement : Partial shade to full sun ( prefers good afternoon shade in warmer zones)Plant Size : 6 - 12 inches tall with a spreadhead of 6 - 12 inchesWhy Grow It : Lettuce is the substructure of unused salad and can be incredibly expensive to buy regularly . Home - grown lettuce offers variety , freshness , and relish that computer storage - bought can not agree .
inseminate Guide : Sow lettuce source thinly , just ¼ in deep in rows 12 column inch apart , or broadcast for a mixed salad bed . Thin folio loot to 4 column inch apart and channelise lucre to 8 - 12 inches . Lettuce pullulate good in cool dirt ( below 75 ° F/24 ° C ) . For continuous harvest , sow in small amounts every two weeks .
When and How to Harvest : leafage lettuce can be harvest as soon as parting are large enough to eat , typically 3 - 4 weeks after sowing . thin out outer leave and allow the mall to continue growing . fountainhead lettuce take longer , usually 6 - 8 calendar week , and is harvested when heads feel firm . Cut entire industrial plant at soil level in the forenoon for the best flavor and texture .
7. Kale (Brassica oleracea var. sabellica)
Sun necessity : Full sun to fond shadePlant Size : 12 - 24 inches tall with a counterpane of 18 - 24 inchesWhy develop It : Kale is a nutritionary powerhouse that can withstand dusty temperatures , extending the harvesting season into wintertime in many regions . It becomes sweeter after frost and is one of the most various super C in the kitchen .
Sowing Guide : Sow moolah seed ¼ to ½ inch mysterious and 3 inches apart in rows 18 - 24 inches asunder . lean seedlings to 12 - 18 inch apart once they grow true leaves . Kale flourish in fertile , well - drained grime with a pH of 6.0 - 7.5 . Add compost before planting and side - dress with balanced constitutional fertilizer as plants evolve .
When and How to Harvest : Kale is ready to reap 55 - 75 days after seed when leave of absence are about the size of your hand . Harvest out leaves first , allow interior leaves to continue growing . Regular harvesting encourages production of new leafage . Kale ’s flavor improves after light icing , making it a valuable winter crop in milder climates .
8. Spring Onions/Scallions (Allium fistulosum)
Sun essential : Full Sunday to fond shadePlant Size : 12 - 18 in tall with minimal spreadWhy turn Them : leap onions are easy to grow , take up minimum space , and bestow impertinent flavor to innumerable dishes . They ’re ready quickly and can be taking over planted for continuous harvest .
Sowing Guide : Sow springtime Allium cepa seeds ¼ inch deep in row 6 inches aside . slight seedling to 1 - 2 inch apart . or else , works sets ( small bulb ) 1 inch deep and 2 inch asunder . Spring onion are n’t busy about soil but prefer well - drain consideration with temperate fertility .
When and How to Harvest : Spring onion are ready to harvest just 8 - 10 weeks after sowing , or when they turn over pencil heaviness . Simply pull the intact plant from the ground , or use scissors to cut leaf as needed while leaving the white part to continue grow . They ’re well used fresh , as they do n’t hive away well for long periods .
Beetroot bypenelope waitsis licensed under CC BY 2.0
9. Swiss Chard (Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris)
Sun Requirements : Full sun to partial shadePlant Size : 12 - 24 inches tall with a spread of 12 - 18 inchesWhy Grow It : Swiss chard pop the question ocular charm with its colourful stems and nutritionary benefit like to Spinacia oleracea . Unlike spinach plant , it does n’t run out in hot weather , providing a tenacious harvesting season .
Sowing Guide : Sow chard seed ½ inch deep and 2 inches asunder in row 18 inches apart . flimsy seedlings to 6 - 12 in apart once they get on-key leaves . Chard thrive in rich , well - debilitate soil with a pH of 6.0 - 7.0 . tot up compost before planting and side - dress with balanced constitutional plant food mid - time of year .
When and How to Harvest : Chard is ready for initial harvest about 50 - 60 days after sowing when leaves are 6 - 8 column inch long . harvesting extinct leaf first by slew 1 - 2 inches above the land , admit inner leaves to continue grow . This “ cut and fare again ” approach path extends the crop period . Regular harvesting encourages tenderize new ontogeny .
Spinacia oleracea female plant byRasbakis licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0
10. Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum)
Sun prerequisite : Full sunPlant Size : 18 - 36 inches tall with a spread of 18 - 24 inchesWhy Grow Them : Few veggie offer the atonement and yield of potatoes . Home - grown varieties have relish and texture that supermarket potatoes ca n’t pit , and they store well for wintertime employment .
Sowing Guide : industrial plant seed potatoes ( certify disease - gratuitous potato sections , each with 1 - 2 “ eyes ” ) 4 - 6 inches deep and 12 inch apart in rows 24 - 36 inches apart . Before planting , permit cut seed tater pieces to callus over for 24 hour . Plant in trenches and “ earth up ” ( mound filth around prow ) as plants arise to forbid tubers from being expose to light , which turns them greenish and toxic .
When and How to Harvest : Early potatoes can be harvest about 10 - 12 weeks after planting when plants are still flower , for small , raw “ Modern potato . ” For mature spud , wait until foliage yellows and dies back , typically 15 - 20 week after plant . get the picture cautiously using a garden fork , bug out 12 inches from the plant life to obviate prejudicious tubers .
Pisum sativum byRasbakis licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0
11. Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum)
Sun Requirements : Full sunlight ( 6 - 8 hours minimum)Plant Size : 2 - 8 feet grandiloquent with a gap of 18 - 36 inch , depending on variety ( determinate vs. indeterminate)Why Grow Them : Nothing compare to the flavor of homegrown tomatoes . memory - bought varieties simply ca n’t match the sweetness , juiciness , and complex flavors of those ripened on the vine . Growing your own also provides access to countless heirloom salmagundi not found in shop .
Sowing Guide : For most realm , April is the perfect time to start Lycopersicon esculentum seed indoors if you have n’t already . Sow seeds ¼ in late in seed trays or modest pots filled with semen - starting commixture . Keep soil systematically moist and lovesome ( 70 - 75 ° F/21 - 24 ° speed of light ) until sprouting , which typically go on within 5 - 10 days .
Once seedling develop their first true leaves , transplant into 3 - 4 inch pots . In warmer zone ( USDA 8 - 10 ) , you’re able to right away transplant seedling outside in late April after hardening off . In cooler zones ( USDA 5 - 7 ) , continue growing indoors until all risk of frost has devolve , typically in May .
Raphanus sativus(Radish) by null is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0
When transplanting outside , plant deeply , burying two - thirds of the stem , as tomatoes will originate roots along the bury radical . Space works 18 - 36 inches aside , depending on variety . leave keep ( bet , coop , or trellises ) at planting clock time .
When and How to Harvest : Tomatoes are ready to glean 60 - 85 days after transplanting , depending on the mixed bag . crop when fruit are fully emblazon and slightly soft to the touch . For best relish , harvest time at peak ripeness — this is particularly authoritative for heirloom varieties . To pluck , gently turn and take out the fruit from the stem turn , or use pruners for clean cuts that wo n’t damage the plant .
Conclusion
April is the double-dyed time to ground these ten vegetables in your garden for a fat acquire season ahead . By selecting motley suit to your hardiness zona and play along proper planting and fear techniques , you ’ll be well on your way to a bountiful harvest .
retrieve that successful gardening is about observation and adaptation — take distinction on what ferment well in your specific garden conditions , and do n’t be afraid to experiment with dissimilar variety and technique .
Martin Cole has been an avid plant lover and nurseryman for more than 20 years and loves to speak and write about horticulture . In 2006 he was a finalist in the BBC Gardener of the Year competitor . He is a member of the National dahlia Society .
Lettuce byForest & Kim Starris licensed underCC BY 3.0
He previously lived in London and Sydney , Australia , where he took a diploma course in Horticultural discipline and is now based in North Berwick in Scotland . He found GardeningStepbyStep.com in 2012 . The website is take at everybody who loves plants or has been bitten by the horticulture hemipteron and wants to make love more .
Gardening stride by Step has beencited by Thompson and Morgan , the UK ’s largest mail guild plant retail merchant , as a website that publishes technical horticulture content .
Kale ‘Red Russian’ byIdéalitésis licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
Spring onion (Allium fistulosum)by 국립국어원 is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
Swiss chard bywoodleywonderworksis licensed under CC BY 2.0
“Starr 080914-9947 Solanum tuberosum” byForest & Kim Starris licensed underCC BY 3.0
