TOP 5 Vegetables to Grow in April

April is a good time to plant cool-weather crops

In April, as the spring season is in full swing in many regions, it’s a great time to start your vegetable garden with cool-weather crops. These vegetables can handle the still-chilly nights and take advantage of the increasing daylight hours to establish themselves before the heat of summer sets in. Here are the top 5 vegetables to consider planting in April

Lettuces

Lettuces thrive in cooler temperatures, making them an ideal choice for early spring planting. They are also relatively fast-growing, which means you can enjoy the fruits of your labor sooner rather than later. For a continuous harvest, practice succession planting by sowing seeds every two weeks. This ensures a steady supply of fresh lettuce. Remember, lettuce prefers moist, well-drained soil and can be grown in both beds and containers, making it versatile for different garden spaces.

Spinach

Spinach is not only nutritious but also versatile in the garden. It can grow in partial shade, which makes it perfect for those spots in the garden that don’t receive full sun all day. Like lettuce, spinach benefits from succession planting and requires soil rich in organic matter. Keep the soil moist to encourage steady growth. Harvest spinach leaves from the outside to allow the plant to continue producing new leaves from the center.

Peas

Peas are one of the first crops to be planted in the spring. They add nitrogen to the soil, which benefits the plants that will follow in the garden rotation. When planting peas, ensure the soil is well-draining to prevent root rot. Installing supports at planting time prevents disturbing the roots later. Peas can be harvested at different stages, depending on the variety and your preference for consumption.

Radishes

Radishes are incredibly rewarding for the impatient gardener due to their quick germination and growth rate. They can also act as a marker crop when sown with slower-germinating vegetables like carrots, as they break the soil and mark the row. Radishes prefer loose, well-drained soil to allow their roots to expand freely. Avoid over-fertilizing, especially with nitrogen, as this can lead to lush tops but small roots. Harvest radishes as soon as they’re of a usable size to prevent them from becoming woody.

Kale

Kale is a superfood that’s as easy to grow as it is nutritious. It can be planted directly in the garden or started indoors for an even earlier crop. Kale plants can grow quite large, so space them accordingly. They also continue to produce leaves throughout the season, making them a valuable addition to the garden. Kale is relatively pest-resistant but watch for cabbage worms, which can be controlled organically with neem oil or by encouraging beneficial insects.

General Tips for April Planting:
  • Soil Preparation: Before planting, work in compost or aged manure to enrich the soil. Ensure good drainage to prevent root diseases.
  • Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during seed germination and in the early stages of plant growth.
  • Frost Protection: Be prepared to protect your plants on chilly nights. Floating row covers or cloches can offer excellent protection against frost without overheating plants during the day.
  • Pest Management: Early detection and organic control methods can prevent pests from becoming a significant problem. Companion planting can also help deter pests.

By choosing these vegetables for your April garden, you’re setting the stage for a productive and rewarding growing season. With a little care and attention, you’ll be enjoying fresh, home-grown produce in no time.