What to plant in April? Sowing calendar and recommendations
April marks the perfect start to prepare and fill your vegetable garden with spring-summer crops.
Here you will find what to plant in April, the key tasks and recommendations so your plants grow strong and healthy.
- Preparing the vegetable garden and essential tasks in April
- Sowing calendar: what to plant in April according to the method
- Care and maintenance of the vegetable garden in April for good development
- Practical tips and resources to improve your sowing in April
- Best greenhouses for your April crops
Preparing the vegetable garden and essential tasks in April
Before you start sowing, it is time to get the ground ready for action. Whether it is a large garden or a small corner on the terrace, soil preparation is essential. Clear the area thoroughly of weeds and remains from previous crops. Add a good dose of compost to enrich the soil and improve its structure.
In urban gardens or container gardens, the substrate becomes especially important. It is recommended to choose light mixes with good water and nutrient retention, such as a combination of 40% worm humus and 60% coconut fibre. Avoid cheap, low-quality substrates, as they may contain heavy metals and affect your plants.
Design and planning of the vegetable garden for spring-summer
Planning the vegetable garden is not just about placing plants at random. Think about crop rotation, which species need more space and how to make the most of every corner. Organise the plots so that taller plants do not shade the lower ones and consider the watering and sunlight needs of each variety. Good design makes maintenance easier and ensures healthier and more abundant production.
Protection against frost and hardening off seedlings
Although spring is advancing, late frosts can still come as a surprise. Protect seedbeds and young plants with thermal blankets, cut bottles or light covers such as tunnels or protective plastics. Also, start taking the seedlings outside for a few hours a day so they gradually get used to the sun and wind, a process known as hardening off, which is vital to prevent transplant stress.
Sowing calendar: what to plant in April according to the method
Crops for direct sowing in April
In April, many seeds can be sown directly in the ground, especially those that tolerate the initial coolness of spring. Some of the most common are:
- Yellow chard
- Parsley
- Spinach
- Radish
- Carrot
- Beetroot
- Cardoon
- Courgette
- Pumpkin
- Peas
These crops usually require moist, well-prepared soil to germinate successfully. Bear in mind that, after germination, some plants such as carrots or radishes need thinning to leave enough space.
Crops for seedbeds and later transplanting
Other crops prefer to start in seedbeds and then move to the vegetable garden when the seedlings are stronger. These include:
- Tomato
- Pepper
- Aubergine
- Lettuce
- Celery
- Onion
- Leek
- Melon
- Watermelon
- Cucumber
Transplanting should be done when the plants have at least 4-6 leaves and weather conditions are stable. Remember to use quality substrates for seedbeds and keep them moist but not waterlogged.
Protected sowing and precautions with cold-sensitive crops
Some crops such as cucumber, beans or peppers do not tolerate low temperatures or frost well, so it is advisable to wait until the end of April or start sowing them under protection. This is where a tunnel greenhouse or a straight-wall tunnel greenhouse can make the difference, by offering a warmer and more stable microclimate for these delicate plants.
Care and maintenance of the vegetable garden in April for good development
In April, it is important to prepare supports for plants that grow tall or climb, such as tomatoes, beans or peas. Installing stakes, canes or mesh helps keep them upright, prevents damage and improves aeration, reducing disease.
As temperatures rise, watering becomes essential. It is a good idea to prepare the drip irrigation system or schedule regular watering to keep the substrate moist without waterlogging. The key is to adapt frequency and quantity according to the crop and climate.
Good weather also brings common pests such as aphids or whitefly. Monitor the vegetable garden and apply natural preventive treatments, such as nettle slurry or potassium soap, to avoid damage. Prevention is better than cure, especially in early stages.
Practical tips and resources to improve your sowing in April
Use of sowing calendars and monthly planning
To avoid getting lost among so many crops, sowing calendars are an essential ally. They allow you to know what to plant each week and to plan transplants and rotations. You can find downloadable calendars that will help you stay better organised.
Recommended tools and materials for the vegetable garden in April
In addition to quality substrates and compost, consider using tools such as resistant gloves, watering cans with a fine nozzle and protection systems such as a mini-tunnel greenhouse. These mini-tunnels are perfect for protecting seedbeds and seedlings in small spaces.
Starting a vegetable garden in April: tips for beginners
If you are just starting out, April is an ideal month to begin. Start with easy-to-manage crops such as lettuce, radishes or spinach. Do not overwhelm yourself with too many varieties and learn by observing how your plants react. With patience and a little practice, your vegetable garden will grow with you.
Best greenhouses for your April crops
FERTRI’s garden greenhouses are a great help for protecting and improving your crops during April. Among its options are the tunnel greenhouse, ideal for creating a warm and stable environment, the straight-wall tunnel greenhouse, which offers more space and comfort, and the mini-tunnel greenhouse, perfect for small spaces or seedbeds.
With a greenhouse, you can better control temperature and humidity, protect your plants from frost or heavy rain, and promote optimal development during this key season.
We invite you to review each model so you can choose the one that best suits your project. And if you have any other questions, you can contact us and we will advise you.
