Row by Row Episode 244: Gardening In April

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April showers bring May flowers! April tends to be such a great time to grow flowers AND vegetables. Join us as we discuss what you should be planting! We are reviewing what you should be doing in the garden this April as warm weather and rain starts to settle in USDA zones 5-10. Let's Grow Together! In cold-winter regions, spring weather may be weeks away. In warm-winter regions, the last frost may already have passed. April is named for Aprilis, the Latin word meaning to open. This month you will see returning birds and soon their young. The first butterflies and bees should be about before the month is over. Only very far to the north will ice and snow still have their grip on the garden by month’s end.

What is Arbor Day?

April is the traditional month in many countries for the celebration of tree planting. In the United States, many states celebrate Arbor Day in April. Planting trees has long been associated with various religious ceremonies and also as an activity to commemorate the birth of a child. When you sow out your first vegetable seeds this month, see if there is room for a new tree in your yard, neighborhood, or nearby park.

What should you do in your garden this month?

April is a good month to harden off your plants. Now you need to get the plants ready to transplant outside without any issues. “Hardening off” means you are slowly taking the seedlings outside a few hours each day to get them used to sunlight, the dry air, and cold nights. And don’t forget to prepare your soil before you set out any transplants! You should be amending your soil and incorporating pre-plant fertilizer. This month, harvest onions and garlic. Take care and time to prune your garden plants that have succumbed to winter damage before the new shoots of spring emerge.

What should you plant this month?

Here's what you can plant in your garden based on your USDA growing zone. Zone 9 and 10 April is like summer in zone 9 and 10. So, you will want to plant warm-weather plants. Here’s what to plant:

• Bush Beans
• Pole Beans
• Cantaloupes
• Corn
• Cucumbers
• Varieties of peas
• Peppers
• Pumpkins
• Summer squash
• Tomato transplants
• Sweet potatoes
• Watermelons

Zone 7 and 8 It is quite warm in zone 7 and 8 during April. Here are the things you may want to start planting:

• Bush Beans
• Poles Beans
• Cantaloupe
• Corn
• Cucumbers
• Eggplant
• Peas
• Peppers
• Okra
• All warm-season herbs
• Squash
• Sweet potatoes
• Tomatoes
• Watermelons

Zone 5 and 6 April is the perfect time to start planting stuff in zone 5 and 6. Here’s what you can start planting:

• Asparagus
• Beets
• Broccoli
• Cilantro
• Cabbage
• Carrots
• Lettuce
• Peas
• Spinach
• Strawberries

Zone 3 and 4 If you live in zone 3 or 4, it is best to wait until after April 15th to plant many of these in your garden. Here is what you can start indoors and move outdoors when there is no longer any frost:

• Asparagus
• Beets
• Broccoli
• Brussel Sprouts
• Cabbage
• Carrots
• Cauliflower
• Kale
• Lettuce
• Onions
• Parsley
• Peas
• Potatoes
• Radishes

Products:

PREMIUM GARDEN SEEDS SEED STARTING SUPPLIES SWEET POTATO SLIPS 

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