Top 10 plants and vegetables to sow in April
Let’s keep it simple. If you’re just getting started or looking to add a few easy wins to your garden, these 10 crops are perfect for planting in April. To make it easier, we’ve split them into those you can sow straight into the ground and those that like a little extra care indoors first.
Direct into the ground – lettuce, radishes, spring onions, peas, carrots and beetroot
Carrots and beetroot are two of the most satisfying crops to grow from seed – just make sure your soil is warm, well-prepared and has a fine, crumbly texture. Lettuce, radishes and spring onions are great if you’re after fast results. They don’t take up much space, and you’ll be picking fresh salad leaves and crunchy roots in no time. Peas are another April favourite – they’ll need some support as they grow, but they’re hardy, fun to watch climb and taste amazing fresh from the pod.
Start indoors or in trays (modular sowing)
Modular sowing just means starting your plants in small, individual sections – usually in black plastic planting trays that have little cells or compartments for each seed. These trays are easy to find at any local garden centre, and they give your plants a great start by letting them grow strong roots before you move them outside. Plus, when it’s time to plant them out, you can lift them straight out of the tray without disturbing the roots.
Crops to plant in modular trays – tomatoes, courgettes, cabbage and kale
For more tender crops like courgettes and tomatoes, it’s best to start them off in modular pots or trays indoors. These need a little extra warmth to get going, so a sunny windowsill or greenhouse is ideal. Once they’re big enough and the risk of frost has passed (which is usually late May) – you can harden them off and move them outside.
If you’re after something leafy and nutritious, kale and cabbage are both excellent choices. These do best when started in modular trays or a dedicated seedbed first. That way, they have space to grow strong roots before being transplanted into your garden. The modular method keeps root disturbance to a minimum, helping young plants get off to a healthy start.
A few final tips for growing in April
While April is generally a fantastic time to get your garden going, it’s important to remember that the weather can still be a bit unpredictable. Don’t rush into sowing too early – wait for the soil to warm up a bit before planting directly outdoors. If the weather’s particularly cold, you can use fleece or cloches to give your plants some extra protection from the cold and unexpected frosts. If you want to get really technical with it, you can use a soil thermometer to check the temperature of the soil before you plant; if the temperature is lower than 5ºC, it’s probably a bit too chilly.
Plant little and often
For crops like lettuce and beetroot, it’s a good idea to sow little and often. This way, you’ll have a steady supply of fresh produce throughout the season without the risk of everything maturing at once and overwhelming your kitchen. Regular sowing also ensures you’ve always got something ready to harvest, giving you a constant flow of homegrown goodness.
And don’t forget about those pesky pests! Slugs and snails are especially fond of young, tender shoots and can quickly decimate all your hard work if left unchecked. Keep an eye out for them and use eco-friendly methods like beer traps or hand-pick them from your plants to prevent them from eating their way through your garden!
If you’ve got any questions about the planting advice we’ve just given out, or you need any additional guidance, our friendly staff will be more than happy to lend a word or two of advice! And if you haven’t replaced your garden fencing yet and you’re looking to, get in touch! Feel free to start browsing our extensive selection of garden fence panels and concrete fence posts right here on our website. For any assistance or friendly advice, just give us a call on 01772 336 476. We’re here to help!
