As the clocks change and the sun makes its grand appearance, April marks the official beginning of Spring, a perfect time to kickstart your fruit and vegetable garden. Whether you have a greenhouse or just a cozy indoor space, April is the ideal month to start planting a variety of crops and getting ahead of the game before the last frosty nights bid adieu.
Planting in April requires a bit of caution, as you’ll want to ensure that young plants are shielded from frost until nighttime temperatures consistently stay above 5-7 degrees Celsius. This precaution will give your plants the best chance at flourishing and producing a bountiful harvest.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to what fruits and vegetables you can start planting this April, along with insight into what’s ready to harvest if you’re already nurturing a lively garden.
Vegetables
Indoor Sowing (ideal for pots placed by a sunny windowsill, in a greenhouse, or conservatory):
- Asparagus
- Beetroot
- Broad beans
- Carrots
- Garlic
- Peas
- Potatoes
- Radishes
- Salad leaves
- Spinach
- Spring onions
- Turnips
- Beans (e.g., runner beans)
- Marrow
- Courgette
- Squash
- Sweetcorn
- Tomatoes
Outdoor Sowing (directly into soil, suitable for containers, beds, or borders in gardens or on balconies):
- Beetroot
- Brussels Sprouts
- Cabbage
- Carrots
- Garlic
- Leeks
- Lettuce
- Onions
- Parsnips
- Potatoes
- Radishes
- Shallots
- Spinach
Fruit
While most fruits ripen later in the year, April is an opportune moment to plant young fruit trees and bushes in anticipation of a fruitful harvest season. For those eager to dive into fruit cultivation, consider starting with apples, pears, strawberries, and raspberries. Check out our comprehensive guide to growing fruit at home for more insights and tips.
Ready for Harvest
If you’re already tending to a crop or are simply curious about what’s in season, here’s a roundup of fruits and vegetables typically ready for harvesting in April:
- Asparagus
- Chard
- Kale
- Leeks
- Lettuce and rocket
- Purple sprouting broccoli
- Radishes
- Rhubarb
- Spring cauliflowers and cabbages
- Spring onion
With these planting and harvesting insights, April is bound to be a fruitful and rewarding month in your gardening journey.
Stay tuned for more tips and tricks to make the most of your green thumb!
