As the frost begins to fade, green-thumbed enthusiasts eagerly embrace the opportunities that spring provides. Let’s explore what to plant in April, with a focus on both outdoor sowing and indoor seed starting.
Carrots
Carrots are a fantastic vegetable to plant in Zone 6 in April. These root vegetables thrive in cooler weather, making early spring the perfect time for sowing. When planting, aim for loose, well-draining soil, as compacted soil can impede growth and produce misshapen roots. Choose carrot varieties based on your intended harvest—shorter varieties like ‘Nantes’ do well in smaller spaces or compact soils, while longer varieties such as ‘Imperator’ need plenty of room to develop.
For the best results, plant carrot seeds about ¼ inch deep, spacing them about 2-4 inches apart. Germination takes around 14 to 21 days, so patience is key. Once they sprout, be sure to thin them out to allow adequate space for each plant. In addition to being delicious raw or cooked, carrots can be harvested all summer long, adding a vibrant splash of color to your garden.
Radishes
If you’re looking for a vegetable that matures quickly, radishes are your best friend. These peppery little gems can sprout in as little as three to four weeks, making them ideal for planting in April. They prefer cool weather, which makes early spring their prime time. When sowing, plant radishes about half an inch deep and 1-2 inches apart.
With a wide range of varieties to choose from, you can experiment with different shapes and colors—think red, black, or even white! Radishes are great for succession planting; this means you can sow new seeds every couple of weeks to ensure a continuous harvest throughout the spring and into early summer.
Turnips
Turnips are another hardy crop that benefits from a cool start. April is the perfect time to plant both the root and the greens of turnips. They love well-draining soil laden with organic matter. Sow seeds about ½ inch deep, spacing them around 4-6 inches apart.
One of the beauties of turnips is their versatility; you can harvest the young greens to use in salads or stir-fries and leave some to grow into larger bulbs. Turnips grow quickly, usually ready to harvest in about 50-60 days. By planting in April, you can enjoy freshly harvested turnips by early summer.
Beets
The sweet and earthy flavors of beets make them a delightful addition to any gardener’s patch. Plant beets in early April by sowing seeds about ½ inch deep and 1-2 inches apart. As they grow, thin them to 3-4 inches apart to ensure ample space for development.
Beets are a dual-purpose crop; not only can you harvest the roots, but the greens are edible too! If you love the combination of sweet and savory, roasted beets paired with goat cheese or feta make for an exquisite salad. Plus, their deep red color provides a stunning visual contrast in your garden.
Parsnips
For those who enjoy time-honored vegetables, parsnips are a must-plant in April. These biennial plants need a long growing season, which makes starting them early crucial. Plant them at a depth of ½ inch, about 2-3 inches apart in well-aerated soil.
Parsnips tend to take longer to germinate than other root crops, often taking 2-4 weeks. However, the wait is worth it! Harvest parsnips after the first frost to enjoy their naturally sweetened flavor. Their creamy, nutty texture adds a delightful depth to soups and stews during the colder months.
Broccoli
Broccoli is a springtime favorite that thrives when planted in cool temperatures. In April, you can either direct sow seeds in your garden beds or start them indoors and transplant later. Plant seeds about ½ inch deep and 18-24 inches apart.
This versatile veggie is a nutritional powerhouse, rich in vitamins and minerals. To keep your broccoli flourishing, consider using row covers to protect them from pests and to maintain their cool environment. With an average harvest time of about 60-90 days, you’ll be able to enjoy fresh broccoli shoots in no time.
Cabbage
Cabbage is another cold-weather crop that flourishes in April. Sow seeds indoors or directly in the ground, about ¼-½ inch deep. Space cabbage plants about 12-24 inches apart, depending on the variety.
Brassicas like cabbage not only provide a dense meal but also contribute to soil health as they are known to have a positive impact on nearby plants. Beyond traditional green cabbage, consider planting red varieties, savoy, or even Napa cabbage for an exciting and colorful garden.
Cauliflower
Cauliflower is often regarded as a bit finicky, but with some diligent care, it can be a rewarding crop to grow in Zone 6. Start seeds indoors in early April and transplant them after about 4-6 weeks. When planting, aim for a depth of ½ inch and provide about 18-24 inches between each seedling.
Cauliflower loves consistent moisture and nutrients, so be sure to water and fertilize regularly. Look out for the beautiful curds—harvest them when they’re firm and white for the best taste. This dramatic vegetable can be enjoyed roasted, steamed, or even blended into soups.
Collards
If you’re looking for a leafy green that can withstand cooler temperatures, collards could be your new garden staple. They are frost-tolerant and can be planted in early April, providing bountiful yields throughout the season. Space collard seeds about 12-18 inches apart and plant them at a depth of around ½ inch.
Collards are especially prized in Southern cooking, often sautéed with garlic or used in comforting soups. One of their best features is that they actually taste better after a frost, enhancing their natural sweetness!
Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi, with its unique bulbous appearance, adds an exciting twist to any garden. These versatile vegetables can be sown directly into the soil in April, about ½ inch deep and 4 inches apart. They prefer rich, well-draining soil and consistent moisture.
With a flavor reminiscent of a mild turnip, kohlrabi can be enjoyed raw in salads or cooked in various dishes. Their distinctive appearance makes them a fun conversation starter and will surely impress at your next dinner gathering.
Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are a delightful choice for gardeners who want to test their patience. While these little cabbages can be planted in April, they will take time to mature—usually around 80-90 days. For best results, start seeds indoors and transplant them once they are established, spacing them about 18-24 inches apart.
Brussels sprouts thrive in cool weather, so don’t hesitate to leave them in the garden well into fall; you may find that their flavor improves after a frost. They can be roasted, steamed, or added to stir-fries for a rich and wholesome dish.
Kale
Kale is a nutrient-dense superfood that thrives in cool temperatures, making April an optimal time for planting. Sow seeds about ½ inch deep, with spacing around 12-18 inches apart. You can also start them indoors if you’d like to get a jump on the season.
Kale is remarkably versatile—enjoy it raw in salads, sautéed, or cooked into hearty soups. It’s resilient, often surviving harsh conditions, and can be harvested continuously throughout the growing season.
Lettuce
April is prime time for planting various types of lettuce across Zone 6. Whether you favor crisp Romaine or buttery leaf types, sow seeds outdoors in rows, covering them lightly with soil. Space seeds about 1 inch apart.
Given its rapid growth cycle—often just 30 days to maturity—lettuce can be a lovely addition to a salad, creating vibrant and textured homegrown salads. With a variety of leaf colors and shapes, lettuce can bring a visual feast to your garden.
Spinach
Spinach loves the cool air of spring, making early April ideal for sowing. Plant seeds about ½ inch deep and space them 1-2 inches apart for good airflow. Spinach germinates quickly, often sprouting in just a week or two.
Known for its rich iron and vitamin content, spinach can be enjoyed in salads, smoothies, or cooked down in various dishes. To maintain a steady supply, consider planting new seeds every two weeks throughout the month.
Swiss Chard
Swiss chard, with its magnificent leaves and vivid stems, adds a splash of color to spring gardens. It can withstand cooler temperatures, making it an ideal contender for your April planting schedule. Plant seeds about ½ inch deep and space them 12-18 inches apart.
Chard is incredibly versatile and can be used in a myriad of recipes, from salads to stir-fries. Its leaves can be harvested continuously, giving you an ongoing supply of fresh greens throughout the season.
Arugula
Arugula is one of the quickest-growing crops you can plant in April, offering a peppery kick to your dishes. Sow seeds directly into the ground about ¼ inch deep, and space them around 1 inch apart. With a maturation period of about 30 days, you can snip fresh leaves for salads in no time!
This leafy mustard family member thrives in cool weather, and it’s enjoyable both raw and cooked. Its distinct flavor can elevate a simple salad, providing zesty variety to your spring meals.
Cilantro
Cilantro is often cultivated for its fragrant foliage and seeds—known as coriander. In early April, sow seeds directly in the ground about ½ inch deep and space them 6 inches apart. Cilantro grows best in cooler weather, flourishing in the spring months before the heat of summer sets in.
Used in a variety of cuisines, cilantro can be a flavor booster in dishes like salsa, curries, or as a garnish. Since it bolts quickly in summer heat, consider successive sowing every few weeks to ensure you have a steady supply throughout spring.
Fennel
Fennel, with its delicate fronds and bulbous base, is a unique garden addition that thrives in cool April weather. Sow seeds about ¼ inch deep, spacing them 10-12 inches apart to allow for expansion. It’s a fragrant herb that adds depth to dishes and can be enjoyed raw, grilled, or roasted.
Fennel can take several months to mature, so patience is essential. Additionally, both the bulb and the fronds are edible; the fronds can act as a delightful garnish or flavor enhancer in salads.
Dill
Dill is another marvelous herb to plant in Zone 6 during April. Start seeds about ½ inch deep, spacing them roughly 12 inches apart. Dill takes about 50-60 days to reach maturity, which makes it perfect for both culinary uses and summer harvests.
This herb thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it relatively easy to grow. Dill’s feathery leaves are perfect for seasoning fish, pickles, and salads, and the seeds can be harvested for baking or added to your spice rack.
Chives
Chives are an excellent choice for gardeners due to their hardiness and ease of cultivation. Plant seeds in April by scattering them on the soil’s surface or sowing them about ¼ inch deep. Space them a few inches apart to allow for growth.
These green perennial herbs have a mild onion flavor that enhances various dishes. You can snip fresh chive shoots to add a zesty flavor to salads, spreads, and soups.
Chamomile
Chamomile not only has culinary and medicinal benefits, but it also makes an enchanting addition to any garden. April is the perfect month to start chamomile seeds. Plant them about ¼ inch deep in well-drained soil and space them around 6 inches apart.
The delicate, daisy-like flowers can be harvested to create soothing tea, making it a lovely herb to consistently cultivate in your garden. Plus, chamomile attracts beneficial pollinators, helping your garden flourish!
Strawberries
As perennials that bring joy for many seasons, strawberries are delightful to plant in April. Choose a sunny location, and plant bare-root strawberries, spacing them about 12-18 inches apart. Mulching will help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds as they develop.
Depending on your chosen variety, you could have a rewarding strawberry harvest by late spring or early summer. Sweet, homegrown strawberries are perfect for snacking, baking, or preserving into jams.
Raspberries
Raspberries add complexity and sweetness to your garden’s repertoire. Early April is suitable for planting raspberry canes, which prefer well-draining, fertile soil. Space canes about 24-36 inches apart for optimal growth and airflow.
These bramble fruits are perennials that produce sweet berries, perfect for eating fresh or turning into preserves. Once established, raspberry plants can yield fruit for many years, allowing you to savor their flavor over time.
Blackberries
Blackberries, like their raspberry counterparts, thrive in fertile ground. Plant them in April, spacing canes about 3-4 feet apart. Opt for an area with good sunlight and soil drainage for the best results.
With their rich sweetness, fresh blackberries can serve as a nutritious snack or a delicious addition to pies and smoothies. Once established, blackberry vines provide generous yields year after year.
Blueberries
To conclude your fruitful planting endeavors in April, consider blueberries. These acid-loving plants thrive when given well-draining, acidic soil. Plant small blueberry bushes about 4-5 feet apart to ensure they have room to spread.
With proper care, including mulching and pruning, blueberry bushes can yield abundant fruit for many seasons. Enjoy the process of cultivating delicious and nutritious blueberries for snacking, baking, or crafting flavorful jams.
