April means we have one month until the gardening season is officially underway. May is so close we can taste it! Let’s prepare the garden beds and start sowing those plants that like a little bit of cold.
There’s a few plants you can start now, indoors or by direct sowing. Either way, let’s get started.
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6 Plants to Direct Sow in April
In Zone 5B we are in very early spring at the start of April. The ground is fairly malleable, but we still get many frosty nights so we have some time still until the late spring, early summer. However, there are quite a few vegetables you can start direct sowing or starting, if you haven’t already begun to plant in March. You can see the plants to direct sow in March here.
1. Arugula
Arugula is a fast-growing leafy green known for its peppery, slightly nutty flavor. It thrives in cool weather and is often grown in early spring or fall. This nutrient-dense plant is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, along with antioxidants that support overall health. Arugula is commonly used in salads, sandwiches, and as a garnish, adding a zesty kick to various dishes.
Plant – start direct-sowing arugula in mid-April to grow. Most varieties take 40 days from seed to harvest. Harvest at the base of the plant and it will regrow until it bolts.
2. Beets
Beets are root vegetables valued for both their earthy-flavored roots and nutrient-rich greens. They come in a variety of colors, including deep red, golden yellow, and striped Chioggia. Beets are an excellent source of fiber, folate, and antioxidants, supporting heart and brain health. They thrive in loose, well-draining soil and require consistent watering. The greens can be sautéed or eaten fresh, making beets a versatile addition to any garden.
Plant – start direct-sowing beets at the end of March. Most varieties take approximately 50 days from seed to harvest. We have had some go longer, the more time they have, the bigger they will grow. Pull the entire plant from the ground to harvest.
3. Brussel Sprouts
Brussel Sprouts are small, cabbage-like vegetables that grow along a thick stalk. These cool-weather crops require a long growing season and taste best after a light frost. Rich in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, Brussels sprouts are known for their slightly bitter yet nutty flavor when roasted or sautéed. They benefit from consistent moisture and firm support as they develop.
Plant – start sowing brussel sprouts indoors in mid-April. They take a very long time to harvest, between 75 and 150 days depending on your growing season. You can get summer sprouts but it requires perfect timing. Once your plants have developed big stalks and you can see little sprout buds forming, you must top the plant so it puts energy into the buds not in taller growth.
4. Lettuce
Lettuce is a staple leafy green that comes in many varieties, including romaine, butterhead, and loose-leaf types. It grows best in cool temperatures and can be harvested continuously by picking outer leaves. Lettuce is rich in water, fiber, and essential vitamins, making it a nutritious and hydrating addition to meals. It thrives in well-drained soil with consistent moisture to prevent bitterness and bolting in hot weather.
Plant – start direct-sowing lettuce at the end of March, different varieties have different days to harvest, but the range is 45 – 65 days. Read our comprehensive growing guide on lettuce here.
5. Peas
Peas are cool-season legumes that produce sweet, edible pods or shelled peas. They fix nitrogen in the soil, benefiting neighboring plants. Peas prefer rich, well-drained soil and require trellising for support. They are an excellent source of protein, fiber, and vitamins, making them a nutritious and delicious snack. Harvesting regularly encourages continued production throughout the growing season.
Plant – direct-sow peas in early April. They are quick to harvest, only 60 days until the first pea pods are ready. Be sure to have trellising options to help support their growth. Read our comprehensive growing guide on peas here.
6. Spinach
Spinach is a nutrient-rich leafy green that thrives in cool weather and grows quickly. It is packed with iron, calcium, and vitamins A, C, and K, making it a superfood for overall health. Spinach can be eaten raw in salads or cooked in various dishes. It prefers well-drained, fertile soil and consistent moisture to prevent premature bolting. Regular harvesting of outer leaves encourages prolonged production.
Plant – direct-sow spinach in mid-April. The earlier the better, spinach thrives in the cold and if cold enough, you can get 2 to 3 harvests before the plant bolts. For summer spinach varieties, it’s the same days to harvest, approximately 45-60 days. Read our comprehensive growing guide on spinach here.
3 Plants to Start Indoors in April
Some may find starting seeds indoors to be daunting, but not to worry. We have all the tips and guidance you need to be successful. Here’s a how to start seeds indoors guide and a 15 seed starting mistakes guide to ensure you start out on the right footing!
7. Kale
Kale is a hardy leafy green that can withstand cold temperatures, often becoming sweeter after a frost. It is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, along with fiber and powerful antioxidants. Kale is a versatile vegetable used in salads, smoothies, soups, and chips. It grows well in nutrient-rich, well-drained soil and benefits from regular harvesting to encourage continuous leaf production.
Plant – start sowing kale indoors in mid-April, 4-6 weeks before transplanting outside. Kale takes between 50-30 days to harvest. Pick off individual leaves to use, the outer leaves being the largest and oldest, and work your way in, the stem will be large and thick by the end of the season. Read our comprehensive growing guide on kale here.
8. Onions
Onions are versatile root vegetables that come in different varieties, including yellow, red, and white. They require a long growing season and thrive in well-drained soil with full sun. Onions are valued for their strong flavor and culinary uses in countless dishes. They are rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and compounds that support immune and heart health. Onions can be grown from seeds, sets, or transplants, making them a popular choice for home gardens.
Plant – start sowing onions indoors in early April, approximately 8-10 weeks before transplanting outside. The onion plants should have strong tops. Once they start to significantly sag, trim the seedling tops to encourage thicker growth. Don’t sow the bulbs too deep when transplanting, they need space to grow into a large, hearty bulb, by the end of the season the bulb should be half out of the dirt. Harvest your onions in approximately 90-100 days.
9. Cucumbers
Cucumbers are vining plants known for their crisp, refreshing fruit. They thrive in warm weather and require plenty of sunlight, water, and space to sprawl or climb. Cucumbers are high in water content, making them hydrating and low in calories. They are commonly used in salads, sandwiches, and pickles. Proper pollination is essential for fruit production, and companion planting with flowers can help attract pollinators.
Plant – (one variety we need to start indoors, called the Maretmore). This variety we will start mid-April indoors. It takes a bit longer to grow so the harvest time is about 65 days instead of the 55 average. However this is started almost a month earlier than cucumbers outdoors.
Tips for Direct Sowing in April
Direct sowing in early spring comes with its own set of challenges. Here are some tips to help you succeed:
- Check Soil Temperature: Even if the air feels warm, soil can still be too cold for germination. A soil tester can help you determine if conditions are right.
- Protect Your Crops: Unexpected late frosts can happen (we’ve been there). Use row covers or cloches to protect young seedlings on especially cold nights.
- Prepare Your Soil: Since many of these crops need to be sown as soon as the ground is workable, prepping your garden beds in the fall can save time.
- Water Wisely: Spring soil retains a lot of moisture, so over-watering isn’t usually necessary. However, if you experience a dry spell, keep the soil evenly moist.
- Mulch for Warmth: A light layer of straw or compost can help insulate the soil and maintain moisture levels. Find out why mulching is important here.
Conclusion
Direct sowing vegetables in April is an excellent way to kick-start your growing season. Arugula, Beets, Brussel Sprouts, Lettuce, Peas and Spinach are all hardy crops that thrive in cool temperatures and can be planted as soon as the soil is workable. Starting Onions, Kale and some Cucumber varieties indoors will allow you to get an jump-start on more tasty foods earlier in the season.
By incorporating these vegetables into your early-season planting schedule, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown produce sooner while maximizing your garden’s productivity.
We hope this guide helps you get a head start on your spring garden! If you have any questions about direct sowing in early spring or want to share your experiences, leave a comment below. Be sure to explore our other growing guides, seed-saving tips, and delicious recipes. We’re constantly adding new content and would love for you to grow with us! Happy gardening!
