10 Seeds to Plant in Spring for a Lush, Delicious Garden All Season Long
Spring has officially sprung, and with it comes one of the most satisfying rituals of the season: planting the first seeds of your garden. There’s something magical about watching life emerge from soil still cool from winter’s touch, and April offers the perfect window to get started. Whether you're a seasoned gardener with a sprawling backyard or a beginner with a few pots on a patio, the longer days, gentle rains, and warming temperatures create ideal conditions for growing a lush, productive garden. This is the month when cool-weather crops thrive—plants that sprout eagerly in mild soil and bask in the lengthening daylight without being scorched by summer's intensity.
In this post, we’re walking you through 10 of the best seeds to plant in April. Each one has been selected for its ability to flourish during the early spring window, giving you a head start on the growing season. From the speedy satisfaction of radishes to the vibrant resilience of kale, these crops are reliable, rewarding, and perfect for gardeners of all skill levels. For each plant, you’ll find detailed care tips, planting instructions, and a curated list of must-have tools and supplies—everything you need to set your garden up for success.
Even better? Every section includes a high resolution image to help you visualize what’s possible, along with Amazon links so you can gear up with ease. This is your sign to put on your gloves, grab a trowel, and make the most of the season. Let’s dig in—literally—and turn April’s potential into a vibrant harvest you’ll be enjoying for months to come.
1. Radishes: Crisp, Spicy, and Incredibly Fast
If you're eager to kick off your garden in April, radishes should be your very first planting. These crisp, peppery root vegetables are the track stars of spring gardening, with some varieties ready for harvest in as little as 21 days. That means you can sow, grow, and taste your success in less than a month. Radishes love cool soil, making early spring the prime time to plant them—long before summer heat makes them bolt or turn overly spicy.
To get the best results, sow radish seeds directly into loose, well-drained soil. Avoid compacted ground, as this can lead to misshapen roots. They don’t require rich compost; in fact, too much nitrogen can create bushy leaves and underdeveloped roots. Space your seeds about an inch apart in rows, and cover them lightly with soil. Water consistently but don’t overdo it—damp, not soggy, is the goal.
One of the best parts of growing radishes is their versatility. You can grow them in raised beds, containers, or even tucked into spare corners of your garden. Stagger your plantings every 7–10 days for a continuous harvest that lasts all spring. Varieties like Cherry Belle, French Breakfast, and Watermelon Radish offer a mix of colors and flavors to keep things exciting.
Recommended Gardening Tools & Supplies:
• Radish Seeds
• Raised Garden Beds
• Garden Trowel
• Organic Fertilizer
• Garden Gloves
• Soil Test Kit
• Watering Can or Hose Nozzle
2. Carrots: Sweet Roots That Thrive in Cool Soil
Carrots are one of the most rewarding vegetables to grow, especially when planted in April. These cool-weather lovers flourish when the soil is still moist and temperatures haven’t climbed too high. By getting your seeds in the ground now, you give your carrots time to develop long, crisp roots before summer heat encourages bitterness or cracking.
The key to growing perfect carrots is in the soil. They prefer loose, deep, and stone-free soil to ensure roots grow straight and smooth. Raised beds or well-prepared garden rows are ideal. Before planting, rake the soil to a fine texture and avoid overly rich compost, which can lead to excessive top growth at the expense of the root.
Carrot seeds are small and can take 1–3 weeks to germinate, so patience is essential. Keep the soil evenly moist during this period and consider covering your rows with a light fabric or mulch to prevent drying out. Once seedlings appear, thin them carefully—overcrowded carrots will be stunted and misshapen.
As they grow, consistent watering is important, especially during dry spells. A deep soak once or twice a week helps develop rich flavor and crunch. Try heirloom varieties like Cosmic Purple or Scarlet Nantes for a unique twist on a classic crop.
Recommended Gardening Tools & Supplies:
• Carrot Seeds
• Fine Garden Rake
• Garden Hoe
• Watering Wand
• Soil Thermometer
3. Beets: Vibrant Roots That Love a Head Start
Beets are a cold-tolerant crop that thrives when planted early in the season. April’s mild conditions offer the perfect growing environment, allowing these dual-purpose vegetables to develop both sweet roots and nutrient-packed leafy greens. Whether you enjoy them roasted, pickled, or juiced, beets add deep color and flavor to any garden-to-table experience.
For successful beet cultivation, sow seeds directly into well-drained soil that’s rich in organic matter. Space them about 1–2 inches apart and keep the topsoil consistently moist, especially during germination. Each beet “seed” is actually a cluster of seeds, so thinning is essential. Once seedlings are a few inches tall, snip extras at the soil line to prevent overcrowding, which can lead to small or deformed roots.
Beets thrive with full sun and benefit from regular watering. Deep, even moisture helps roots expand without splitting, and mulching around the base will retain soil hydration. These hardy plants also make great companions for onions and bush beans and don’t require much in the way of pest management.
Popular varieties like Detroit Dark Red, Chioggia (with candy-striped flesh), and Golden Beets bring rich diversity to your plot and your plate. Plus, beet greens are delicious sautéed or tossed into salads—don’t let them go to waste!
Recommended Gardening Tools & Supplies:
• Beet Seeds
• Compost Bin
• Garden Cultivator Tool
• Garden Row Markers
• Soaker Hose
4. Spinach: A Cool-Season Superfood That Grows Fast
Spinach is the leafy green hero of any early spring garden. It thrives in the cooler temperatures of April and delivers a rich harvest of tender, nutrient-dense leaves within just a few weeks. Perfect for raw salads, green smoothies, or sautés, spinach is one of the most rewarding and healthful crops you can grow.
To get started, choose a spot with full sun or partial shade and well-drained, fertile soil. Spinach does best when direct-sown into the ground or into raised beds. Sow seeds about half an inch deep, spaced a couple inches apart. As they grow, thin the seedlings to ensure proper air circulation and allow leaves to reach full size without crowding.
Spinach requires consistent moisture—especially during germination—but it does not like soggy roots. Water gently to avoid splashing soil onto the leaves. You can extend the growing season by planting in succession every two weeks throughout spring. If temperatures start to rise quickly, consider using row covers or planting in a lightly shaded area to prevent bolting (when spinach flowers prematurely).
Choose fast-growing varieties like Bloomsdale Long Standing or Space Hybrid for reliability and flavor. And don’t forget: the more often you harvest, the more it grows. Spinach loves to be picked!
Recommended Gardening Tools & Supplies:
• Spinach Seeds
• Garden Shade Cloth
• Harvesting Scissors
• Organic Compost
• Drip Irrigation Kit
5. Lettuce: The Cool-Weather Staple for Crisp, Fresh Harvests
Lettuce is one of the easiest and most satisfying vegetables to grow in April. It thrives in cool weather and matures quickly, making it a staple crop for spring gardeners. Whether you prefer the tenderness of butterhead, the crunch of romaine, or the frilly textures of loose-leaf blends, lettuce grows best when sown early—before the intense heat of summer encourages bolting and bitterness.
Sow seeds directly into well-drained, fertile soil that’s been raked smooth. Scatter or row-plant the seeds about 1/4 inch deep and keep the surface consistently moist until germination, which typically occurs within 7–10 days. Once seedlings appear, thin them to give each plant room to flourish. Lettuce roots are shallow, so regular watering is key—avoid letting the soil dry out completely, especially during rapid growth stages.
Lettuce also adapts well to containers, window boxes, and vertical planters, making it perfect for small-space gardens. For a continual supply, stagger plantings every two weeks throughout April and early May. You can harvest baby leaves or wait for full heads, depending on your variety and preference.
Shade cloths or light row covers can help regulate soil temperature and extend the season. Grow a mix of colors like Green Ice, Red Sails, and Buttercrunch for visual appeal and culinary variety.
Recommended Gardening Tools & Supplies:
• Lettuce Seeds
• Seed Spreader Tool
• Raised Planter Box
• Watering Timer
• Gardening Kneeling Pad
6. Herbs: Flavorful, Fast-Growing, and Perfect for Early Spring
April is the perfect time to start an herb garden. As the weather warms slightly but remains cool and moist, many herbs germinate quickly and flourish in either garden beds or containers. Whether you want the aromatic punch of cilantro, the savory depth of parsley, or the refreshing zing of dill and chives, these culinary herbs are ideal for early spring planting.
Start by choosing a location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. Herbs prefer well-drained soil with moderate fertility—too much fertilizer can cause leafy herbs to lose flavor. If you’re planting in the ground, loosen the soil and remove any large clumps or stones. For containers, use a high-quality potting mix and ensure your pots have drainage holes.
Direct sow herbs like cilantro, dill, and parsley into the soil, spacing seeds according to their package instructions. Water gently and consistently until germination occurs. Once established, most herbs are drought-tolerant and thrive with occasional trimming. In fact, regular harvesting encourages bushier growth and prolongs the plant’s lifespan.
You can also start herbs indoors or in small containers on your patio or kitchen windowsill. This makes them easily accessible while cooking and adds a touch of greenery to your living space. Early-sown herbs will continue producing throughout spring and into summer if properly maintained.
Recommended Gardening Tools & Supplies:
• Herb Garden Seed Kit
• Self-Watering Herb Planters
• Indoor Grow Light for Herbs
• Vertical Wall Planter
• Kitchen Herb Scissors
7. Potatoes: Hearty Staples That Love an Early Start
Potatoes are one of the most satisfying and abundant crops you can grow, and April is an ideal time to plant them. As soon as the soil is workable and the danger of hard frost has passed, you can get your seed potatoes into the ground. These underground powerhouses need time to mature—so the earlier you plant, the sooner you'll be harvesting buttery Yukon Golds, fluffy Russets, or vibrant red-skinned varieties.
To start, choose certified seed potatoes and cut them into chunks, ensuring each piece has at least one “eye.” Let the pieces dry for a day or two before planting to prevent rot. Dig trenches about 4 inches deep and place the seed pieces cut-side down, spacing them about 12 inches apart. Cover with soil and keep the area consistently moist but not waterlogged.
As your potato plants grow, mound soil or straw around the base every couple of weeks. This "hilling" process keeps the developing tubers covered and protected from sunlight, which can cause greening and bitterness. In return, you’ll get larger yields and healthier potatoes.
Potatoes are surprisingly low-maintenance and can even be grown in containers or fabric grow bags if space is limited. Just be sure they get full sun and consistent watering.
Recommended Gardening Tools & Supplies:
• Seed Potatoes
• Potato Grow Bags
• Bulb Planter Tool
• Hilling Hoe
• Straw Mulch for Gardening
8. Cucumbers: Crisp and Refreshing Vines That Thrive in Warming Soil
Cucumbers are a spring garden favorite, and planting them in late April gives them just enough warmth to germinate while avoiding the stress of summer heat. These fast-growing vines are ideal for trellises, raised beds, or even large containers. They love sunny days, moist soil, and plenty of space to sprawl or climb—and they’ll reward you with crisp, refreshing fruits all summer long.
Start by waiting until the threat of frost has completely passed and the soil has warmed to at least 60°F. Sow seeds directly into the garden or start them indoors a few weeks earlier to get a jump on the season. Choose a well-drained spot with full sun and enrich the soil with compost or aged manure.
Cucumbers are heavy feeders and drinkers, so keep their roots moist but not soggy. Mulch around the base of the plants to help conserve moisture and prevent weeds. As vines grow, train them up a trellis or garden netting to save space and improve air circulation, which reduces the risk of disease.
There are two main types of cucumbers: slicers (for fresh eating) and pickling varieties. Popular cultivars like Marketmore, Lemon Cucumber, and Boston Pickling offer excellent yields and flavor. With regular harvesting, your plants will continue producing generously through the season.
Recommended Gardening Tools & Supplies:
• Cucumber Seeds
• Trellis Netting
• Soaker Hose System
• Organic Mulch
• Compost Tea Bags
9. Beans: Fast-Growing and Full of Flavor
Beans are one of the easiest and most satisfying crops to grow, making them perfect for April planting in regions where frost has passed. Whether you choose bush beans for compact spaces or pole beans for vertical gardening, these legumes are fast-growing, nitrogen-fixing powerhouses that enrich your soil and fill your plate.
Begin by selecting a sunny location with well-drained soil. Beans prefer soil that’s warm—ideally above 60°F—so make sure the chill of early spring has lifted before planting. Sow seeds about 1 inch deep and 3–4 inches apart in rows. If you're planting pole beans, install a trellis, teepee, or netting right away to support their climbing habit. Bush beans don’t require support and are ideal for raised beds or containers.
Water consistently during germination and early growth, but avoid overly wet conditions. Beans dislike soggy roots and will produce best when their environment stays evenly moist. Once established, they require little fertilization and tend to be pest-resistant.
For flavor and variety, try heirloom types like Dragon Tongue, Royal Burgundy, or Kentucky Wonder. Harvest regularly to keep pods tender and to encourage continued production. Beans can also be succession planted every two weeks for a steady supply through summer.
Recommended Gardening Tools & Supplies:
• Bean Seeds
• Bean Pole Trellis
• Seed Starting Trays
• Garden Twine
• Garden Sprayer
10. Kale: Cold-Hardy, Nutrient-Dense, and Nearly Foolproof
Kale is one of the hardiest greens you can grow, and April is an ideal time to plant it. Whether you’re growing curly kale, Tuscan (also known as dinosaur kale), or Red Russian, these nutrient-packed leaves thrive in cool soil and even improve in flavor after a light frost. Best of all, kale is incredibly low-maintenance and highly productive, rewarding your garden with months of continuous harvest.
Start by choosing a sunny or lightly shaded spot with well-draining soil enriched by compost. Direct-sow seeds about 1/2 inch deep and 1 inch apart in rows. Once the seedlings reach 3–4 inches tall, thin them to allow about 12–18 inches of space between plants, which encourages airflow and strong leaf development.
Water regularly, especially during dry spells, and mulch around the plants to keep the soil cool and moist. Kale benefits from a balanced organic fertilizer early in the growing season, and it will continue producing if you regularly harvest the outer leaves while leaving the central bud intact.
With proper care, kale can provide fresh greens from spring into early winter. It’s excellent in soups, smoothies, stir-fries, or simply sautéed with garlic and olive oil. Plus, it’s packed with vitamins A, C, and K—making it one of the most nutritious crops in your garden.
Recommended Gardening Tools & Supplies:
• Kale Seeds
• Organic Vegetable Fertilizer
• Garden Row Covers
• Mulch Discs or Compost Mulch
• Stainless Harvesting Knife
There’s no better feeling than stepping into a garden you’ve built from seed—watching fresh greens unfurl, roots deepen, and color return to the soil after a long winter. April may feel like a gentle beginning, but it sets the tone for everything that follows. With these 10 crops, you’re not just planting vegetables—you’re planting momentum, nourishment, and joy. So whether you’re after crisp lettuce, tender beets, or robust kale, now’s your moment. Grab your gloves, roll up your sleeves, and let the season reward you with something real.
