April marks one of the most active planting windows in the vegetable gardening calendar. Soil temperatures rise steadily, daylight increases, and many crops that struggled in cold early spring conditions now germinate reliably. Planting at the correct time in April 2026 helps vegetables establish strong roots before summer stress arrives.
We recommend focusing on cool-season and early warm-tolerant crops this month. These vegetables germinate well in mild soil, tolerate occasional late frosts, and mature efficiently in lengthening daylight. Choosing the right vegetables for April planting improves yields, reduces pest pressure, and extends harvest periods into late spring and early summer.
Below are the best vegetables to grow in April 2026, with practical sowing steps, regional timing guidance, and succession planting tips.
1. Spinach
Spinach is one of the most reliable vegetables to grow in April because it germinates readily in cool soil and grows quickly before heat triggers bolting. We recommend spinach because it produces dense, nutrient-rich leaves in mild spring temperatures and can be harvested continuously.
Steps and Tips to Grow Spinach
- Sow seeds ½ inch deep in moist, fertile soil.
- Space rows 12 inches apart to allow leaf expansion.
- Thin seedlings to 4 inches apart once sprouted.
- Keep soil consistently moist to prevent bolting.
- Harvest outer leaves regularly to encourage regrowth.
- Succession sow every 2 weeks through May.
Zone Notes:
Zones 3 to 5: Sow mid to late April once soil is workable.
Zones 6 to 8: Sow early April, repeat plantings.
Zones 9 to 10: Final spring sowing early April before heat.
2. Lettuce
Lettuce thrives in April conditions because moderate temperatures prevent bitterness and encourage rapid leaf growth. We recommend lettuce because it matures quickly, tolerates light frosts, and supports repeated harvests through cut-and-come-again picking.
Steps and Tips to Grow Lettuce
- Sow seeds ⅛ inch deep in loose soil.
- Space rows 8 to 10 inches apart.
- Thin seedlings to 6 inches apart.
- Water gently and frequently to keep soil cool.
- Harvest outer leaves once 4 inches tall.
- Re-sow every 10 to 14 days for succession harvests.
Zone Notes:
Zones 3 to 5: Start under covers early April, direct sow late April.
Zones 6 to 8: Direct sow throughout April.
Zones 9 to 10: Provide partial shade to extend harvest.
3. Radishes
Radishes are ideal for April sowing because they germinate rapidly in cool soil and mature in as little as three weeks. We recommend radishes because they fill garden gaps, loosen soil, and provide fast harvests while slower crops establish.
Steps and Tips to Grow Radishes
- Sow seeds ½ inch deep in fine soil.
- Space seeds 1 inch apart in rows.
- Thin seedlings to 2 inches apart.
- Water consistently for crisp roots.
- Harvest promptly at mature size.
- Sow small batches weekly through May.
Zone Notes:
Zones 3 to 5: Begin late April.
Zones 6 to 8: Sow all month.
Zones 9 to 10: Final spring sowing early April.
4. Carrots
Carrots perform well when planted in April because soil warmth improves germination while cool weather supports straight root formation. We recommend carrots because spring growth produces sweeter, more tender roots.
Steps and Tips to Grow Carrots
- Prepare deep, loose, stone-free soil.
- Sow seeds ¼ inch deep in rows.
- Keep soil evenly moist until germination.
- Thin seedlings to 2 inches apart.
- Mulch lightly to retain moisture.
- Succession sow every 3 weeks.
Zone Notes:
Zones 3 to 5: Sow late April.
Zones 6 to 8: Sow throughout April.
Zones 9 to 10: Early April only.
5. Peas
Peas thrive in April because they prefer cool temperatures and moist soil conditions. We recommend peas because early planting leads to stronger vines and higher pod yields before heat reduces flowering.
Steps and Tips to Grow Peas
- Sow seeds 1 inch deep and 2 inches apart.
- Install trellis support at planting.
- Water regularly during germination.
- Mulch to keep roots cool.
- Harvest pods frequently.
- Plant additional rows mid-April.
Zone Notes:
Zones 3 to 5: Mid to late April.
Zones 6 to 8: Early April.
Zones 9 to 10: Plant very early April only.
6. Beetroot
Beetroot establishes well in April’s mild soil temperatures and balanced moisture. We recommend beets because both roots and greens are edible and spring-grown roots are sweeter.
Steps and Tips to Grow Beetroot
- Sow seeds ½ inch deep.
- Space seeds 1 inch apart.
- Thin seedlings to 3 inches apart.
- Maintain steady soil moisture.
- Harvest greens early if desired.
- Succession sow every 3 weeks.
Zone Notes:
Zones 3 to 5: Late April.
Zones 6 to 8: All April.
Zones 9 to 10: Early April only.
7. Spring Onions
Spring onions grow quickly when planted in April because warming soil accelerates root and stem growth. We recommend them because they mature fast and tolerate fluctuating spring weather.
Steps and Tips to Grow Spring Onions
- Sow seeds ¼ inch deep.
- Space rows 8 inches apart.
- Thin seedlings to 2 inches apart.
- Keep soil lightly moist.
- Harvest when stems reach pencil thickness.
- Re-sow every 3 weeks.
Zone Notes:
Zones 3 to 5: Late April.
Zones 6 to 8: Throughout April.
Zones 9 to 10: Early April.
8. Kale
Kale is well suited to April planting because cool temperatures improve leaf texture and flavor. We recommend kale because it tolerates frost and provides long harvest periods.
Steps and Tips to Grow Kale
- Sow seeds ½ inch deep.
- Space plants 12 inches apart.
- Thin seedlings early.
- Water consistently for tender leaves.
- Harvest outer leaves first.
- Continue picking into summer.
Zone Notes:
Zones 3 to 5: Late April.
Zones 6 to 8: All April.
Zones 9 to 10: Early April.
9. Swiss Chard
Swiss chard grows vigorously when planted in April due to mild soil and increasing daylight. We recommend chard because it tolerates temperature swings and produces continuously.
Steps and Tips to Grow Swiss Chard
- Sow seeds ½ inch deep.
- Space plants 10 inches apart.
- Thin seedlings after sprouting.
- Water regularly.
- Harvest outer stalks.
- Allow center growth to continue.
Zone Notes:
Zones 3 to 5: Late April.
Zones 6 to 8: Early to mid April.
Zones 9 to 10: Early April.
10. Turnips
Turnips establish quickly in April and mature before summer heat. We recommend turnips because both roots and greens are edible and fast growing.
Steps and Tips to Grow Turnips
- Sow seeds ½ inch deep.
- Space rows 10 inches apart.
- Thin seedlings to 4 inches.
- Maintain even moisture.
- Harvest roots young.
- Sow again late April.
Zone Notes:
Zones 3 to 5: Late April.
Zones 6 to 8: All April.
Zones 9 to 10: Early April.
11. Broccoli (Transplants)
Broccoli transplants establish well in April because cool weather reduces stress and promotes head formation. We recommend broccoli because spring planting produces dense heads before summer heat.
Steps and Tips to Grow Broccoli
- Transplant seedlings 18 inches apart.
- Plant at same depth as nursery pot.
- Water deeply after planting.
- Mulch to retain moisture.
- Feed with compost.
- Harvest central head first.
Zone Notes:
Zones 3 to 5: Late April transplant.
Zones 6 to 8: Early April transplant.
Zones 9 to 10: Final spring planting early April.
12. Cabbage (Transplants)
Cabbage thrives when planted in April because cool temperatures encourage firm head formation. We recommend cabbage because it tolerates light frosts and stores well after harvest.
Steps and Tips to Grow Cabbage
- Transplant seedlings 18 inches apart.
- Firm soil around roots.
- Water immediately.
- Mulch to conserve moisture.
- Keep soil consistently moist.
- Harvest when heads are firm.
Zone Notes:
Zones 3 to 5: Late April transplant.
Zones 6 to 8: Early to mid April.
Zones 9 to 10: Early April only.
13. Lettuce
Lettuce is one of the most reliable vegetables to grow in April 2026 because it thrives in cool spring temperatures and establishes quickly in warming soil. We recommend lettuce because it germinates fast, tolerates light frosts, and produces tender, sweet leaves before summer heat causes bolting.
Steps and Tips to Grow Lettuce
- Sow seeds shallowly, about ⅛ inch deep, in loose, moist soil.
- Space rows 8 to 10 inches apart for airflow and easy harvesting.
- Thin seedlings to 6 inches apart once true leaves form.
- Keep soil consistently moist to prevent bitterness.
- Harvest outer leaves regularly to encourage regrowth.
- Re-sow every 10 to 14 days through May for succession harvests.
Zone Notes:
Zones 3 to 5: Start under covers early April, direct sow late April.
Zones 6 to 8: Direct sow all April.
Zones 9 to 10: Provide partial shade.
14. Arugula
Arugula grows extremely well in April because cool temperatures produce mild, tender leaves. We recommend arugula because it germinates quickly and can be harvested within weeks.
Steps and Tips to Grow Arugula
- Sow seeds ¼ inch deep.
- Space rows 8 inches apart.
- Thin seedlings to 4 inches.
- Water regularly.
- Harvest young leaves.
- Re-sow every 2 weeks.
Zone Notes:
Zones 3 to 5: Late April.
Zones 6 to 8: All April.
Zones 9 to 10: Early April.
15. Bok Choy
Bok choy thrives in April’s cool conditions and forms crisp stems before heat causes bolting. We recommend it because it matures quickly and is highly productive.
Steps and Tips to Grow Bok Choy
- Sow seeds ¼ inch deep.
- Thin seedlings to 8 inches.
- Keep soil evenly moist.
- Provide light mulch.
- Harvest whole plants young.
- Succession sow mid April.
Zone Notes:
Zones 3 to 5: Late April.
Zones 6 to 8: Early to mid April.
Zones 9 to 10: Early April only.
16. Mustard Greens
Mustard greens establish rapidly in April and develop strong flavor in cool weather. We recommend them because they grow fast and tolerate light frosts.
Steps and Tips to Grow Mustard Greens
- Sow seeds ¼ inch deep.
- Thin to 6 inches apart.
- Keep soil moist.
- Harvest outer leaves.
- Re-sow every 2 weeks.
- Provide partial shade if warm.
Zone Notes:
Zones 3 to 5: Late April.
Zones 6 to 8: All April.
Zones 9 to 10: Early April.
17. Parsnips
Parsnips should be sown in April because they require a long growing season and cool soil for germination. We recommend them because spring planting produces sweeter roots after cold exposure.
Steps and Tips to Grow Parsnips
- Sow fresh seeds ½ inch deep.
- Space rows 12 inches apart.
- Keep soil consistently moist.
- Thin seedlings to 3 inches.
- Weed carefully.
- Leave roots until autumn harvest.
Zone Notes:
Zones 3 to 5: Late April.
Zones 6 to 8: Early April.
Zones 9 to 10: Early April only.
18. Potatoes
April is the primary planting month for potatoes in many climates because soil has warmed enough for sprouting. We recommend potatoes because early planting increases yields and reduces disease risk.
Steps and Tips to Grow Potatoes
- Plant seed potatoes 4 inches deep.
- Space 12 inches apart.
- Cover with soil.
- Hill soil as plants grow.
- Water consistently.
- Harvest when foliage dies back.
Zone Notes:
Zones 3 to 5: Late April.
Zones 6 to 8: Early to mid April.
Zones 9 to 10: Early April.
19. Leeks
Leeks transplant well in April because cool weather supports slow, steady stem thickening. We recommend leeks because they tolerate spring conditions and mature through summer.
Steps and Tips to Grow Leeks
- Transplant seedlings 6 inches apart.
- Plant in shallow trenches.
- Water deeply.
- Hill soil gradually.
- Weed regularly.
- Harvest when stems thicken.
Zone Notes:
Zones 3 to 5: Late April transplant.
Zones 6 to 8: Early April transplant.
Zones 9 to 10: Early April.
20. Cilantro
Cilantro grows best in April because cool temperatures delay bolting and improve leaf quality. We recommend cilantro because spring sowing produces lush, aromatic foliage.
Steps and Tips to Grow Cilantro
- Sow seeds ¼ inch deep.
- Space plants 6 inches apart.
- Keep soil moist.
- Thin seedlings early.
- Harvest outer leaves.
- Re-sow every 2 to 3 weeks.
Zone Notes:
Zones 3 to 5: Late April.
Zones 6 to 8: All April.
Zones 9 to 10: Early April.
