What to Grow in April: A Gardener's Seasonal Planting Guide

April marks the true start of the growing season across most temperate climates. With soil temperatures finally rising and the worst of the frosts behind us in many regions, it's time to get seeds in the ground and seedlings hardened off. Whether you're a first-time grower or a seasoned gardener, this guide covers what to focus on right now.

What to Sow Outdoors in April

Direct sowing outdoors is possible for many hardy crops once the soil has warmed to around 7-10°C (45-50°F). Use a soil thermometer if you have one — it makes a real difference.

Root Vegetables

Carrots are one of the best crops to sow in April. Choose a sunny spot with loose, stone-free soil and sow thinly in rows about 15cm (6 inches) apart. Thin seedlings to 5cm (2 inch) spacing once they're large enough to handle. Early varieties like 'Nantes' and 'Danvers' work brilliantly for April sowing.

Beets can go in from mid-April. Soak seeds overnight to speed up germination and sow in clusters of 2-3 seeds, spacing clusters 10cm (4 inches) apart. Beets are wonderfully unfussy and tolerate partial shade, making them ideal for smaller gardens.

Radishes are the ultimate quick win — ready to harvest in as little as 4 weeks. Sow a short row every fortnight for a continuous supply throughout spring and summer.

Leafy Greens

Lettuce varieties suited to spring sowing include 'Little Gem', romaine, and loose-leaf mixes. Sow little and often rather than one big batch to avoid the classic glut-then-gap problem.

Spinach thrives in cooler April weather and can be sown directly. It actually prefers some shade, so tuck it between taller crops or along a fence that gets afternoon shade.

Arugula (rocket) germinates quickly and adds a peppery kick to salads within 3-4 weeks of sowing. It bolts in hot weather, so spring is the perfect time to grow it.

Peas and Beans

Peas sown in April will be climbing by May and cropping by June. Use a simple frame of sticks or netting for support. 'Sugar Snap' and 'Green Arrow' are reliable varieties across most regions.

Fava beans (broad beans) can still go in if you haven't sown them already. April-sown plants tend to avoid the worst of aphid problems, which is a bonus.

What to Start Indoors

Some crops still need the warmth of a windowsill, grow light, or greenhouse to germinate successfully in April.

Tomatoes — If you haven't started these already, early April is your last chance for a decent summer harvest. Sow into small pots of seed-starting mix, keep warm (65-70°F / 18-21°C), and pot on when seedlings have their first true leaves.

Zucchini (courgettes) and squash grow quickly once started, so mid-to-late April is ideal. Sow one seed per 9cm (3.5 inch) pot, pointed end down, and keep somewhere warm.

Runner beans and bush beans can be started in pots from mid-April for planting out after your last frost date.

What to Plant Out

If you started seeds indoors in February or March, many will be ready to move outside now.

Onion sets and shallots — push gently into prepared soil with just the tips showing

Potatoes — both early and mid-season varieties should be going in now if not already

Strawberry runners can be planted into their final positions

Herbs like parsley, chives, and cilantro can go outside once hardened off

Jobs for the April Garden

Beyond sowing and planting, April is a busy month for garden maintenance.

1. Weed regularly — annual weeds are germinating just as fast as your crops 2. Watch your frost dates — keep row cover or frost cloth handy for cold nights, especially in northern zones 3. Start hardening off indoor seedlings by placing them outside during the day and bringing them in at night 4. Prepare beds with a layer of compost or well-rotted organic matter if you haven't already 5. Set up supports for peas, beans, and climbing crops before they need them

Growing in Small Spaces

Don't have a yard? April is still packed with opportunity.

Balcony and patio growers can sow lettuce, radish, and herbs in containers. A 12-inch pot is enough for a continuous supply of salad leaves.

Windowsill growers can keep tomato and pepper seedlings going indoors, and add pots of basil, cilantro, and parsley to a sunny kitchen window.

What's Next?

May brings warmer soil and the end of frost risk in most temperate areas, opening the door to tender crops like sweet corn, cucumbers, and peppers. But April is where the real work begins — get your seeds in now and you'll be harvesting fresh, homegrown food all summer long.

---

*Want personalised growing recommendations for your specific location and growing space? Join the Locavori waitlist and be the first to know when we launch in your area.*