Written by Benedict Vanheems, March 23, 2024
April is an exciting time for gardeners as the growing season gets into full swing. There’s so much to plant, sow, and nurture this month that it’s hard to decide where to begin. From vibrant squash to tender asparagus, here’s a detailed guide to make the most of your garden in April.
1. Squash: Planting Prolific Growers
The squash family, including cucumbers, pumpkins, and zucchini, are vigorous growers, transitioning from tiny seedlings to sprawling vines in no time. Here’s how to get started:
- Sowing Indoors:
Sow seeds three to four weeks before the last frost date. Push each seed into a pot of all-purpose potting mix, ideally on its edge to prevent rot. Keep them warm and indoors on a sunny windowsill. - Transplanting:
Once the seedlings outgrow their pots, transplant them into larger pots until it’s warm enough for them to be planted outdoors. They thrive in sunny spots with mild nighttime temperatures and rich soil. - Direct Sowing:
Prefer a simpler approach? Sow seeds directly into the ground later in spring when frost risks have passed. Cover with a clear jar for warmth.
2. Broccoli: A Two-for-One Crop
Broccoli is a rewarding cool-season vegetable that offers both main heads and smaller side shoots for extended harvests.
- Sowing and Transplanting:
Scatter seeds in a pot of sifted potting mix, cover lightly, and water. Once germinated, transplant seedlings into plug trays to grow on before moving them to the ground. - Care:
Regular watering is crucial as broccoli dislikes hot, dry conditions. Protect plants with netting or mesh to guard against pests like cabbage butterflies and aphids. By midsummer, you’ll enjoy delicious green spears and sweet, tender stems.
3. Beets: Multisowing for Maximum Yield
Beets are versatile and flavorful, whether roasted or served cold in salads.
- Sowing Options:
Sow seeds directly in rows with 30 cm spacing or multisow clusters of seeds into plug trays. Thinning ensures robust growth. - Varieties and Tips:
Early in the season, opt for bolt-resistant types like ‘Boltardy.’ Protect seedlings with fleece to reduce bolting risks in cooler weather. Multisowing creates efficient clusters that simplify harvesting and maximize space.
4. Salad Onions: Springtime Zing
Quick-growing salad onions bring fresh flavor to your kitchen.
- Sowing:
Sow seeds thinly in rows spaced 20 cm apart. Regular weeding prevents competition for nutrients. - Harvesting:
Their compact growth habit allows them to fit neatly between larger crops, making them an excellent space-saving option.
5. Asparagus: Patience Rewarded
A perennial crop, asparagus promises years of delectable spears once established.
- Planting Crowns:
Choose well-drained soil or raised beds to prevent root rot. Plant one-year-old crowns 45 cm apart in trenches enriched with compost. Create a ridge to support the roots, ensuring the crowns sit 10 cm below the soil surface. - Care and Harvest:
Refrain from harvesting the first two years to allow plants to establish. By the third season, enjoy bountiful harvests each spring, stopping by early summer.
April is a dynamic month full of opportunities to plant and prepare for a season of abundant growth. Whether you’re nurturing squash, tending to broccoli, or setting up an asparagus patch, these steps will set you on the path to a flourishing garden. Happy gardening!