Gardening Tips — What To Plant in April | Wild About Wellness Blog

Gardening Tips — What To Plant in April

April is a great time to start planting a variety of vegetables, depending on your climate. Below is a guide based on different regions. Tip, if it's still too cold to plant outdoors in your location, you can always start indoors!

Cool Climates (Zones 3-5)

  • Direct Sow: Peas, spinach, lettuce, radishes, carrots, beets, Swiss chard, turnips, kale, onions (sets), potatoes.
  • Start Indoors: Tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, cucumbers, squash, melons (to transplant in May/June).

Mild Climates (Zones 6-7)

  • Direct Sow: Peas, lettuce, spinach, carrots, beets, Swiss chard, onions, potatoes, radishes, kale, cabbage, broccoli.
  • Start Indoors or Transplant: Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, squash, eggplants.

Warm Climates (Zones 8-10)

  • Direct Sow: Beans, corn, squash, melons, cucumbers, okra, peanuts, sweet potatoes.
  • Transplant: Tomatoes, peppers, eggplant.

General Tips:

  • Check soil temperature: Most cool-season crops germinate well at 40–50°F (4–10°C), while warm-season crops need 60°F+ (16°C+).
  • Consider raised beds for better drainage.
  • Use row covers if there’s a risk of late frost.

You can determine your gardening climate zone using the USDA Hardiness Zone Map (for the U.S.) or equivalent maps for your country. Here’s how:

1. Check Online

Visit the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/) and enter your zip code to find your zone.

2. Look at Your Average Winter Temperatures

Hardiness zones are based on the lowest average winter temperatures:

  • Zone 3: -40°F to -30°F
  • Zone 4: -30°F to -20°F
  • Zone 5: -20°F to -10°F
  • Zone 6: -10°F to 0°F
  • Zone 7: 0°F to 10°F
  • Zone 8: 10°F to 20°F
  • Zone 9: 20°F to 30°F
  • Zone 10+: 30°F and above

3. Consider Your Local Growing Conditions

Beyond zones, also consider:

  • First and Last Frost Dates (important for planting schedules).
  • Rainfall and Humidity (affects watering needs).
  • Soil Type (some plants prefer sandy, loamy, or clay soils).

 

Best Vegetables to Start Indoors in April

These plants need a head start indoors and can be transplanted outdoors in mid-to-late May after the last frost:

Warm-Season Crops (Need Warmth & Longer Growing Time)

🌱 Tomatoes – Start 6-8 weeks before last frost (~April 1-15).
 🌱 Peppers (Bell, Hot, Sweet, etc.) – Start 8-10 weeks before last frost (~April 1).
 🌱 Eggplant – Start 8-10 weeks before last frost (~April 1).
 🌱 Basil – Start 4-6 weeks before last frost (~April 15).

Cool-Season Crops (Transplant in Early May with Protection)

🌱 Broccoli – Start 6-8 weeks before last frost (~April 1-10).
 🌱 Cabbage – Start 6-8 weeks before last frost (~April 1-10).
 🌱 Cauliflower – Start 6-8 weeks before last frost (~April 1-10).
 🌱 Lettuce – Start 4-6 weeks before last frost (~April 15-20).

Tips for Indoor Seed Starting

✔ Use Grow Lights – Keep lights 2-4 inches above seedlings for 12-16 hours a day.
 ✔ Keep Soil Warm – 65-75°F (18-24°C) is ideal for germination. Use a heat mat if needed.
 ✔ Moist but Not Soggy – Keep the soil evenly moist but avoid overwatering.
 ✔ Harden Off Before Transplanting – Around mid-May, gradually expose seedlings to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days before planting in the garden.

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Updated March 11, 2025