April is one of my favorite times to be in the garden. The soil is warming up, daylight hours are getting longer, and plants are eager to grow.
Whether you’re looking to start a vegetable patch from scratch or expand an existing one, April is a fantastic month to get planting.
Some crops thrive in cool temperatures, while others get a head start before summer heat kicks in. Let me walk you through 20 vegetables that you can plant in April, setting yourself up for a productive season ahead.
#1. Lettuce
Lettuce is one of the easiest crops to grow in April, especially if you’re eager for fresh greens early in the season. It thrives in cool weather and grows quickly, often ready for harvest in as little as 30 days.
I recommend planting a mix of varieties – romaine, butterhead, and loose-leaf – to keep your salad bowl interesting. Make sure to keep the soil moist and provide partial shade as temperatures rise.
#2. Spinach
April is a great time to sow spinach, as it prefers the cooler days of spring. If you plant it now, you’ll get a steady supply of tender leaves before summer heat causes it to bolt.
Spinach thrives in nutrient-rich, well-draining soil and does best with consistent watering. If you keep harvesting the outer leaves, your spinach plants will keep producing for weeks.
#3. Kale
I always say kale is a true garden workhorse. It’s cold-hardy, resilient, and packed with nutrients. By planting in April, you’ll have baby kale leaves ready for harvest in just a few weeks.
Kale prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade, and it thrives with regular watering.
If you want a continuous supply, keep picking the lower leaves and let the center keep growing.
#4. Carrots
Carrots can be slow to germinate, but April’s mild weather makes it the perfect time to plant them. Loose, well-draining soil is key to growing straight, healthy roots.
If your soil is heavy, mix in compost or sand to improve texture. Once they sprout, thin the seedlings to give them room to develop.
In about 60 to 75 days, you’ll have sweet, crunchy carrots ready to harvest.
#5. Radishes
One of the fastest-growing vegetables, radishes can be ready to eat in as little as 20 to 30 days! They love cool weather and grow well alongside carrots and lettuce.
I like to plant radishes every couple of weeks for a continuous harvest. Keep the soil consistently moist to prevent them from turning woody or too spicy.
#6. Peas
April is the last chance to plant peas before the summer heat kicks in. Whether you prefer snap peas, snow peas, or shelling peas, they all grow best in cool weather.
Peas need something to climb, so provide a trellis or stake early on. Keep them well-watered and pick regularly to encourage more pod production.
#7. Broccoli
Broccoli thrives in cool temperatures, making April an excellent month to plant it. Start with transplants or sow seeds directly in the ground if your frost risk is low.
Broccoli needs rich soil with plenty of organic matter, and it benefits from steady moisture.
Once the main head is harvested, smaller side shoots will continue to grow, extending your harvest.
#8. Cabbage
Spring-planted cabbage produces tight, flavorful heads before the summer heat sets in. It does best in fertile, well-draining soil with regular watering.
I suggest spacing cabbage heads about 18 inches apart to give them room to form properly. Watch out for cabbage worms—floating row covers can help keep them away.
#9. Beets
Beets are another excellent root crop to plant in April. They grow best in loose, sandy soil and appreciate consistent watering.
The great thing about beets is that you can harvest both the roots and the nutritious greens.
Pick them young for the sweetest flavor, and if you succession plant every couple of weeks, you’ll have beets all season long.
#10. Onions
April is an ideal time to plant onion sets or seeds. They need full sun and well-draining soil to develop large, healthy bulbs.
Green onions can be harvested early for fresh use, while storage varieties will mature later in the summer. Keep the soil weed-free so onions don’t have to compete for nutrients.
#11. Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is one of my favorite greens to grow because it’s colorful, nutritious, and heat-tolerant. It can handle cool spring temperatures and continues growing even in the summer.
Harvest the outer leaves as needed, and the plant will keep producing for months. It’s a great alternative to spinach if you’re looking for a longer-lasting green.
#12. Turnips
Turnips are quick-growing and can be planted in early April for a harvest in just six weeks. They prefer loose, well-drained soil and consistent moisture.
Both the roots and greens are edible, making them a versatile addition to your garden.
#13. Potatoes
April is prime time for planting potatoes. Choose seed potatoes with healthy “eyes” and plant them in loose, fertile soil.
As the plants grow, mound soil around the base to encourage more tubers to form. With proper care, you’ll have a great potato harvest by midsummer.
#14. Arugula
If you love peppery greens, arugula is a must-grow in April. It germinates quickly and is ready to harvest within a month. Keep the soil moist and pick leaves frequently to encourage new growth.
Since it prefers cooler weather, growing it in early spring ensures the best flavor.
#15. Bok Choy
Also known as Chinese cabbage, bok choy is a fast-growing vegetable perfect for spring planting. It thrives in partial shade and grows quickly, often ready for harvest in just 30 days.
The leaves and stems are both edible and work well in stir-fries, soups, and salads.
#16. Celery
Celery takes longer to mature but does well when started in April. It needs rich soil with plenty of moisture to develop its crisp stalks.
If you want a steady supply, stagger your plantings every couple of weeks.
#17. Mustard Greens
Mustard greens thrive in cool temperatures and are ready to harvest within a month.
They have a spicy, bold flavor and grow well alongside other greens like kale and spinach. Keep picking the outer leaves for a continuous harvest.
#18. Dill
Herbs are essential in any garden, and dill is one of my favorites to plant in April. It grows quickly and produces fragrant leaves and seeds that are perfect for seasoning dishes.
Since it self-seeds easily, you’ll likely have volunteer dill plants next season.
#19. Cauliflower
Cauliflower grows well in cool weather but needs plenty of space to form large heads. It prefers rich soil and steady moisture, so don’t let it dry out.
Some varieties take longer to mature, but the reward is well worth the patience.
#20. Asparagus
If you’re willing to invest time, asparagus is a fantastic perennial vegetable to plant in April.
It takes a few years to establish, but once it does, it produces delicious spears for decades. Choose a sunny, well-draining spot, and be patient, your future self will thank you for it.
