Jen
April is one of my favorite months for gardening. The soil is warming up, the days are getting longer, and there’s still plenty of time to start a bountiful vegetable garden. Whether I’m sowing seeds directly into the ground or transplanting seedlings, April is a perfect time to get a head start on a productive season.
Over the years, I’ve learned which vegetables thrive when planted in April, ensuring a continuous harvest throughout spring, summer, and even into fall. Below, I’m sharing the 15 vegetables I plant in April, along with my best tips for ensuring a successful, healthy crop.
Cool-Season Vegetables to Plant in April
Cool-season vegetables thrive in the mild temperatures of early spring, making them perfect for April planting. Many of these can be grown in garden beds, raised beds, or even containers.
1. Lettuce
Lettuce is one of the easiest crops to grow in April. It thrives in cool temperatures and grows quickly, giving me fresh greens in just a few weeks. I plant loose-leaf, romaine, and butterhead varieties in well-draining soil and keep the soil moist for tender leaves.
- Best Growing Conditions: Partial sun to full sun, rich, well-draining soil
- Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy
- Harvest Tip: I cut outer leaves as needed, allowing the plant to continue growing
2. Spinach
Spinach loves the cool weather of early spring. I sow seeds directly into the soil and keep them consistently watered. Within a month, I can start harvesting baby leaves for salads and smoothies.
- Best Growing Conditions: Partial sun, nitrogen-rich soil
- Watering: Keep soil evenly moist
- Harvest Tip: Pick leaves when young for the best flavor
3. Carrots
April is the perfect time to plant carrots because the soil is warm enough for good germination. I choose loose, sandy soil so the roots can grow straight and long.
- Best Growing Conditions: Full sun, deep loose soil
- Watering: Water regularly but avoid waterlogging
- Harvest Tip: Thin out seedlings early to allow roots to grow larger
4. Radishes
Radishes are one of my favorite crops to plant in April because they grow super fast—sometimes ready in as little as 25 days! I direct-sow seeds every couple of weeks for a steady supply.
- Best Growing Conditions: Full sun to partial shade
- Watering: Keep soil consistently moist
- Harvest Tip: Harvest when radishes are young and tender
5. Beets
Beets are another cool-season crop that thrives in April. I plant them directly in well-loosened soil and keep them evenly watered for sweet, tender roots.
- Best Growing Conditions: Full sun, slightly acidic soil
- Watering: Keep soil moist but not soaked
- Harvest Tip: Harvest when roots are about 2 inches in diameter
6. Peas
Peas love the mild temperatures of April. I grow snap, snow, and shelling peas along a trellis to save space and make harvesting easier.
- Best Growing Conditions: Full sun, cool temperatures
- Watering: Water deeply but avoid overwatering
- Harvest Tip: Pick pods when they’re plump for the best flavor
7. Kale
Kale is incredibly hardy and thrives when planted in early spring. I grow curly, lacinato, and red Russian varieties, all of which are packed with nutrients and easy to care for.
- Best Growing Conditions: Full sun to partial shade, fertile soil
- Watering: Water regularly to keep leaves tender
- Harvest Tip: Pick outer leaves first for continuous growth
8. Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is a great alternative to spinach since it doesn’t bolt as quickly in warm weather. I plant rainbow chard for a mix of colorful stems and tender leaves.
- Best Growing Conditions: Full sun, rich, well-draining soil
- Watering: Keep soil moist but not overly wet
- Harvest Tip: Harvest leaves when they reach 6–8 inches tall
9. Broccoli
I love planting broccoli in April because it thrives in the cool spring weather. I start with young transplants for an earlier harvest and space them about 18 inches apart to allow for full heads.
- Best Growing Conditions: Full sun, nutrient-rich soil
- Watering: Water deeply once or twice a week
- Harvest Tip: Cut the main head before it flowers to encourage side shoots
10. Cauliflower
Like broccoli, cauliflower does well when planted in April. I choose compact varieties for easier growth in smaller spaces and make sure the plants get consistent moisture.
- Best Growing Conditions: Full sun, evenly moist soil
- Watering: Water regularly but avoid soaking the plant
- Harvest Tip: Tie leaves over the head to prevent sun exposure
Warm-Season Vegetables to Start in Late April
Once temperatures start rising, I plant these warm-season vegetables for a strong summer harvest.
11. Onions
April is a great time to plant onion sets (small bulbs) or seedlings for a summer harvest. I space them a few inches apart and keep the soil well-drained.
12. Garlic
While fall is the traditional time to plant garlic, I’ve had success growing spring-planted garlic as well. It produces smaller bulbs but still has great flavor.
13. Potatoes
April is an ideal month to plant potato tubers in loose, well-draining soil. I plant red, Yukon gold, and fingerling varieties in trenches and gradually cover the stems as they grow.
14. Cucumbers
If the weather is warm enough, I start cucumbers in late April for an early summer harvest. I plant them in raised beds or containers with a trellis for vertical growth.
15. Zucchini
Zucchini grows fast, so planting in April ensures an early and long harvest. I grow it in large pots or garden beds, providing plenty of space for the plants to spread.
Final Thoughts
April is an exciting time in the garden, with plenty of opportunities to plant cool-season vegetables and even some warm-season crops. By choosing the right vegetables and planting at the right time, I ensure a thriving, productive garden that keeps me harvesting from spring through fall.
If you’re planning your vegetable garden this April, I’d love to hear what you’re growing!
