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April is when the garden really starts to come alive. While March may kick off the growing season, April is when things shift into high gear—longer days, warming soil, and an irresistible pull to get outside and start planting. It’s one of the busiest and most rewarding times for gardeners.
This month is all about timing, especially when it comes to direct sowing. While some crops benefit from an early start indoors, others prefer to go straight into the soil. Direct sowing is ideal for plants with fragile root systems or those that simply grow best when left undisturbed. It gives them a strong start in the same place they’ll mature, helping them adapt naturally to the outdoor environment.
If you’re wondering what to plant right now, here are 17 of the best crops to direct sow in April—perfect picks for a healthy, productive garden season.
Beets
Beets, known for their nutritious roots and greens, are quick-growing vegetables that taste best when harvested young. The entire plant is edible. It makes a great addition to a salad or roasted to perfection.
- Sowing depth: 2 cm
- Spacing: 10 cm apart
- Germination time: 5-10 days
- Tip: Thin seedlings to the recommended spacing to ensure healthy bulb formation.
Melon
All types of melon, including cantaloupes and watermelons, need plenty of sunshine and warm soil to thrive. Provide plenty of space in nutrient-rich soil for these hungry plants, and make sure to water regularly.
- Sowing depth: 2 cm
- Spacing: 5 cm apart
- Germination time: 7-10 days
Cucumber
Few things are more refreshing than a crisp cucumber straight from the garden. And it’s official time to sow your
These easy-to-grow vegetables flourish in warm, well-drained soil and can be trained to climb trellises to save space. Most cucumber varieties mature within 40–45 days, making them a great addition to a fast-growing garden.
Cabbage
- Sowing depth: 1 cm
- Spacing: 5 cm apart
- Germination time: 7-12 days
- Transplant cabbage seedlings when they have several sets of true leaves.
Dill
- Sowing depth: 1 cm
- Spacing: 15 cm apart
- Germination time: 10-14 days
- Tip: Transplant seedlings carefully to prevent root shock.
Chervil
- Sowing depth: 0.5 cm
- Spacing: 15 cm apart
- Germination time: 7-14 days
- Tip: Keep out of strong sunlight for good germination.
Chives
- Sowing depth: 0.5 cm
- Spacing: 1 cm apart
- Germination time: 7-14 days
- Tip: Keep the soil moist and well-drained for healthy, strong seedlings.
Turnip
Turnips can be grown for both their roots, which are sweet and tender when young, and their greens. They’re a great source of Vitamin C. Sow turnip seeds in early spring or late summer for a fall harvest. They grow best in full sun, keeping the soil moist and mulched. Harvest small turnips to allow others to develop, and mulch heavily.
Sweet Peas
- Sowing depth: 2 cm
- Spacing: 5 cm apart
- Germination time: 10-14 days
- Tip: Soak seeds overnight before sowing to improve germination rates.
Snapdragons
- Sowing depth: Surface sow, do not cover
- Spacing: 5 cm apart
- Germination time: 10-14 days
- Tip: Keep the surface of the soil moist and in a warm spot for successful germination.
Calendula
- Sowing depth: 1 cm
- Spacing: 20 cm apart
- Germination time: 5-15 days
- Tip: Thin seedlings early to prevent overcrowding and encourage larger blooms.
Carrots
Carrots are a cool-season crop that can be planted in spring and late summer. They are crunchy, sweet, and highly nutritious.
- Sowing depth: 1 cm
- Spacing: 3 cm apart in rows 15 cm apart
- Germination time: 10-20 days
- Tip: Cover the ground with fleece to warm the soil and boost germination rates
Peas
- Sowing depth: 3 cm
- Spacing: 5 cm apart
- Germination time: 7-14 days
- Tip: Keep pea seeds well-watered during germination.
Radishes
Radishes are one of the quickest-growing vegetables, with some varieties ready to harvest in three weeks. They add a peppery kick to salads and dishes. Plant
- Sowing depth: 1 cm
- Spacing: 2 cm apart
- Germination time: 4-7 days
- Tip: Keep the soil evenly moist to prevent the roots from becoming tough.
Parsnips
- Sowing depth: 2 cm
- Spacing: 15 cm apart
- Germination time: 14-28 days
- Tip: Sow parsnip seeds in loose, well-prepared soil to avoid forking.
Poppies
- Sowing depth: Surface sow, lightly cover
- Spacing: 15 cm apart
- Germination time: 10-20 days
- Tip: Keep the surface moist during germination and lightly cover for best results.
Cornflowers
- Sowing depth: 1 cm
- Spacing: 20 cm apart
- Germination time: 7-14 days
- Tip: Prefers well-drained soil in a sunny spot.
