April Planting Guide: The Best Vegetables to Grow This Spring

Spring is finally here—and it’s time to get those veggie beds growing! April is a prime planting month in many parts of the country, especially Zones 5-7, where the soil is warming, the sun is shining longer, and those garden dreams are ready to take root.

Whether you’re growing from seed or starting with live plants, here’s what to plant in April and how to give your garden the best possible start.

Cool-Season Crops You Can Plant Now

These vegetables love the cooler temps of early spring and can go in the ground as soon as the soil can be worked.

🥬 Lettuce, Spinach & Arugula

Leafy greens thrive in cooler temps and germinate quickly. Sow seeds directly or transplant live starts outdoors now. Bonus: These are cut-and-come-again crops, so you’ll get multiple harvests!

🥦 Broccoli, Cabbage & Cauliflower

These hardy brassicas do best when transplanted in early spring. They prefer full sun and moist, rich soil. Space them well—these plants like to stretch their leaves!

🥕 Carrots & Beets

Sow these root veggies directly into the ground. Carrots prefer loose, well-draining soil—consider using raised beds if your native soil is compacted or heavy with clay.

🌰 Onions & Shallots

April is the time to plant onion sets and shallots. These alliums love full sun and soil that drains well. Plant shallowly and mulch around them to prevent weeds.

Mid-to-Late April Planting

As the month progresses and danger of frost lessens, you can begin planting some warm-weather lovers.

🌽 Sweet Corn

Corn loves warmth, so wait until soil temps reach at least 55–60°F. It’s wind-pollinated, so plant in blocks—not single rows—for better yields.

🫘 Beans

Bush and pole beans can go into the ground in late April in many areas. These quick growers prefer warm soil, so hold off if your ground is still cold.

🥒 Cucumbers (with protection)

Cucumbers are sensitive to frost, but you can get a jump start in April by starting seeds indoors or using row covers outside. Raised beds or black plastic mulch can help warm the soil quicker.

Pro Tip: Start Indoors for Later Success

You can also start these warm-weather favorites indoors in April for transplanting next month:

• Tomatoes
• Peppers
• Eggplant
• Squash
• Melons

Use a seed-starting mix and a sunny windowsill or grow light to get strong seedlings.

Soil Prep for April Planting

Before you plant, make sure your soil is ready to support healthy growth. Now’s the time to:

• Add compost or organic matter
• Test and balance your soil’s pH
• Loosen the soil with a garden fork or tiller

Try This: Products like Espoma Organic Garden-Tone and Adoria Compost are excellent additions to help boost soil nutrients and structure.

Pre-Order & Shop Smart

You don’t have to wait for the garden center to restock! You can pre-order vegetable starts and seeds now from ShipMyPlants.com.

Final Thoughts

April is a month full of promise in the vegetable garden. Whether you’re a first-time grower or a seasoned green thumb, there’s nothing quite like seeing those first sprouts pop up. So grab your gloves, prep your beds, and let the growing begin!

Ready to start your April garden?
Pre-order veggie plants and grab your gardening supplies at ShipMyPlants.com—delivered right to your door, so you can spend more time digging and less time shopping.