As April rolls around with sunny days and warmer temperatures, it’s time to roll up those sleeves, grab your trusty trowel, and get ready for some springtime gardening!
Just imagine standing in your backyard, the sun warming your face and the scent of freshly turned soil tickling your senses. You’re surrounded by rows of vibrant greenery, each promising a bounty of fresh, homegrown goodness.
But wait, what’s missing from this garden tapestry? Ah, yes, it’s time to add some April sparkle with a colorful array of vegetables ready to sow and grow!
From crunchy radishes to plump tomatoes, April is bursting with possibilities for your garden (and your dinner plate!).
Trust me, you don’t want to miss out on these veggies!
1. Start With Potatoes
Let’s face it, everybody likes potatoes; and April’s the perfect time to get those spuds in the ground because they thrive in cooler temperatures.
Planting potatoes is all about timing and climate. You want that soil to be nice and warm in the spring. And hey, if you’ve been chitting your potatoes in advance, kudos to you because they’ll definitely grow big and strong!
Whether you’re diving into first early, second early, or maincrop potato varieties, April’s your go-time. Don’t forget to space your potato plants about 12 inches apart to give them room to grow and develop healthy tubers.
Plant them in trenches, holes, or get creative with containers – the choice is yours!
You might even consider growing them in bags: Grow Your Potatoes In Bags Of Soil And Get The Biggest Number Of Tubers Ever
2. Go On With Jerusalem Artichokes
Now, I know what you’re thinking – Jerusalem artichokes might not be the first thing that pops into your mind when planning your kitchen garden. But trust me, these tubers are worth their weight in gold (especially when chefs start clamoring for them in the winter).
Native to North America and part of the sunflower family, Jerusalem artichokes produce a sweet and nutty flavor that’s simply irresistible. Plus, they are a breeze to grow: they’ll only need sufficient sunlight and well-draining soil.
Just grab some tubers from your favorite online retailer or local garden center, plant them three inches deep, and watch them work their magic.
3. Add Broccoli To The Mix
Alright garden enthusiasts, you have to add this green wonder known as broccoli to your spring garden!
Did you know there’s a whole broccoli universe out there? From classic calabrese to funky purple sprouting varieties, the options are endless!
April is your golden ticket to successful broccoli cultivation because it is the perfect time to get those broccoli seeds cozy indoors or brave the great outdoors (if you’re feeling adventurous).
And guess what? Broccoli’s not flying solo – add cauliflower, cabbage, or kale alongside your broccoli to get the party started. They have the same growing requirements, which is why they’ll get along!
If you don’t have enough garden space but still want to grow broccoli, this might do the trick: How To Grow Broccoli In Containers + Helpful Care Tips
4. Radishes Are A Must-Have
Picture this: it’s early spring, the soil’s just right, and you’re itching to get your hands dirty. That’s your cue to sow those radish seeds!
With a little help from cloches or fleece, you can kickstart your radish cultivation and ensure a bountiful harvest. These little guys are fast-growing and super-easy to take care of.
But here’s the best part – radishes are all about that never-ending harvest!
Yep, you heard it right. It’s all about succession planting, my friends! Keep those radishes coming by sowing new seeds every few weeks, and you’ll be swimming in radishes all year long.
You can throw some radish companion plants into the mix to make them even tastier!
But did you know that they aren’t just delicious? Radishes also act as natural pest repellents for other plants in your garden.
So, by planting them alongside your favorite veggies, you’re not only ensuring a delicious harvest but also protecting your garden from unwanted visitors!
5. Top It Off With Tomatoes
Who can resist juicy and flavorful homegrown tomatoes? Not me, which is why I create my very own tomato paradise in the garden every summer!
From cherry to beefsteak, heirloom to hybrid, the possibilities are endless when it comes to growing your own tomatoes. Let’s be real – nothing beats the taste of a freshly picked tomato straight from the vine.
Now, some folks might start their tomato seeds super early, but for most of us, April is prime tomato-sowing time. Whether you’ve got a greenhouse or just a sunny windowsill, you can get those seeds in the ground and watch them grow and thrive!
If you’re also feeling adventurous, why not throw some eggplant seeds into the mix? This is another heat-loving crop that thrives when sown in April, you’ll be harvesting your own homegrown eggplants before you know it.
Related: If You’re Short On Space, Grow Your Tomatoes Upside Down And Get Bountiful Yield
6. Make Room For Some Squash
We can’t go on without squash – just imagine all those delicious homemade pumpkin pies (my mouth starts watering from even thinking about them). If you’re anything like me, then you know that all the trouble around cultivating squash is totally worth it in the end.
Since April is coming around, we have to get to work.
With so many varieties to choose from, each coming in a unique shape, size, and color, you’re sure to find the perfect squash for your garden.
Simply plant your squash seeds about an inch deep in some quality potting soil, then sit back and watch as they sprout into life.
Keep them cozy with temperatures around 65-70°F indoors, and before you know it, you’ll have some sturdy little squash seedlings ready to take on the world!
But why stop at squash? Pumpkins and marrows are also fair game for indoor sowing in April. Imagine harvesting your very own giant pumpkin, ready to be carved for Halloween!
Related: What To Expect During Different Pumpkin Growing Stages
7. Zest Up Your Garden With Zucchini
I saved the best for last: yummy zucchini that is super-easy to grow!
Zucchini seeds are best started indoors in early-to-mid spring, giving them a head start before they’re ready to brave the great outdoors.
Since these plants don’t take well to transplanting, it’s best to sow them directly into their own pots or modules.
Keep those seeds cozy at around 68°F and you’ll have full-sized zucchini in no time!
Once your zucchini plants start producing fruit, make sure to harvest them regularly to encourage continuous production throughout the season.
So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to get your hands dirty, sow those seeds, and watch your veggie garden come to life.
Don’t forget to share your gardening adventures with me because I’d love to see your green-thumb triumphs!
You might also like: Ditch The Store-Bought Zucchini. Follow These 9 Tips For Growing Zucchini Vertically