April Planting Guide – Zones 5 & 6

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As spring settles in, it’s time to begin planting your garden in earnest! For those of you living in Zones 5 and 6, this April planting guide will help you navigate what vegetables and herbs to plant, giving your garden a productive head start. April is a fantastic month for planting cool-season vegetables, and for those of us a bit more daring, it’s possible to start a few warm-season crops with proper protection. Let’s dive in and get your garden ready for the growing season!

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When to Start Planting in April

If you’re gardening in Zone 6, you can start planting right away. It’s important to ensure your planting beds are ready to go before you get started. However, if you’re in Zone 5, wait until mid-April to plant, as the soil may still be too wet for optimal planting. Working with wet soil can damage the soil structure for years, so patience here is key!

A Summary of What to Plant in April

Here’s a quick look at what you can plant in April. Keep reading for more in-depth details about each crop.

  • Root Vegetables
  • Cole (Cabbage) Family
  • Leafy Greens
  • Onions
  • Potatoes
  • Peas
  • Herbs
  • Fruits
  • Warm Season Vegetables (with protection)
  • Seeds to Start Indoors in April

Root Vegetables

April is the month to direct sow your root vegetables into the soil. You can plant crops such as carrots, radishes, turnips, beets, and parsnips. These can be planted throughout the month, and a Light Fabric Row Cover will help protect the crops from pests while promoting faster germination. If you’re having trouble getting your root crops to germinate, try covering them with burlap strips to keep the moisture in and maintain soil temperatures.

Cole (Cabbage) Family Crops

The Cole family includes broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, collards, kohlrabi, Brussels sprouts, and kale. These crops should be planted as transplants during April. In Zone 6, start planting seedlings around April 5th. For Zone 5, aim for around the 15th, approximately 30 days before the last frost. A Light Fabric Row Cover will help protect these plants from early-season pests, such as aphids and cabbage loopers.

Leafy Greens to Plant in April

April is the ideal time to plant leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, Swiss chard, and arugula. Whether you’re planting from seed or seedling, make sure to cover them with a Light Fabric Row Cover to enhance germination. These cool-season crops thrive in April’s weather and will need plenty of water to grow quickly.

Onions

Onions and leeks are hardy and can handle some snow, making April the perfect time to get them in the ground. If you haven’t already planted them, do so now! While you can plant onions from sets, I prefer using seedlings. Get them in early for the best results!

Potatoes

You can plant potatoes in April, but keep in mind they are frost-sensitive. Be prepared to protect them from late frosts by covering them with a heavy fabric row cover or a hoop house. A cold frame is another great option for protecting your potatoes. Frost can really set potato plants back, so be cautious of cold nights!

Peas

Peas, whether shelling, snow, or snap peas, can still be planted in April. The sooner you plant them, the sooner you’ll have space available for your warm-season crops. These vegetables grow well in cooler weather, so don’t delay planting them.

Herbs You Can Plant in April

Many herbs can also be directly sown into the garden in April. Consider planting cilantro, fennel, dill, chives, and chamomile. These herbs may take longer to germinate in cooler soils, but by late April and into May, they’ll be ready to thrive as temperatures warm up.

Fruits to Plant in April

April is the perfect time to plant berry bushes such as strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries. Planting them in early April allows them to establish roots before the heat of summer sets in. You can plant them using bare-root stalks or even transplant from friends or neighbors. Make sure to get them into the ground while the weather is still cool for optimal growth.

Warm Season Vegetables

While the risk of frost still looms in Zones 5 and 6, there is a way to start planting some warm-season crops like tomatoes, peppers, sweetcorn, and summer squash. To give these crops the best chance, use a Wall O’ Water or similar season extender, which helps protect them from frost and allows them to thrive despite the cool April temperatures.

Seeds to Start Indoors in April

April is also the month to start your warm-season crops indoors. This includes tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, squash, melons, and pumpkins. Don’t forget herbs like basil, parsley, and oregano too. Start these indoors early in the month so they have at least six weeks to grow before being transplanted outside.

Conclusion

April is a busy month for gardeners in Zones 5 and 6, and it’s important to know exactly what to plant and when to get the most out of your garden. From root vegetables to hardy herbs, and even a few warm-season crops with protection, there’s plenty you can do to get your garden off to a great start. As always, be mindful of frost risks, and take the necessary steps to protect your tender plants.

I hope this guide has helped you get excited about planting this month. What do you plan to grow this April? Let me know in the comments, and I’d love to hear your gardening tips and suggestions! 🌿

Happy gardening! 🌸

28 thoughts on “April Planting Guide – Zones 5 & 6”

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