Top 5 Seeds to Plant in April for a Thriving Summer Garden

April is a great time to kickstart your garden with seeds that thrive in the warmer spring temperatures ahead. Whether you're focusing on flowers, herbs, or vegetables, there are plenty of easy-to-grow seeds you can start this month. Here's a more carefully considered selection of plants to begin growing in April:

1. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a spring favorite and can be started indoors in April. By sowing the seeds now, you’ll have strong seedlings ready to transplant outdoors after the last frost. Opt for small, bush varieties or larger, vine-type tomatoes, depending on your space. They’ll need plenty of sunlight and warmth to thrive.

2. Lettuce

Lettuce is an ideal vegetable for early spring planting. Start seeds indoors or sow them directly in your garden towards the end of April. Varieties like butterhead or romaine are great for a cool-weather harvest, making them perfect for April sowing. Keep the soil moist, and they’ll grow quickly, providing fresh, crunchy greens.

3. Peas

April is the perfect time to sow peas, especially varieties like sugar snap or snow peas. Peas enjoy cooler temperatures and can be directly sown outdoors in April. These climbing plants will quickly shoot up and produce a bountiful harvest of sweet, crunchy pods by summer.

4. Marigolds

Marigolds are hardy, cheerful annuals that are easy to grow from seed in April. They can be started indoors and transplanted once the weather warms up. Marigolds also help deter pests in the garden, making them a fantastic companion plant for vegetables and other flowers. Start them now, and they’ll bloom in vibrant colours throughout the summer.

5. Zinnias

Zinnias are another easy-to-grow flower that thrives in the warmth of summer, and starting them indoors in April gives them a head start. These hardy annuals will bloom in bright, bold colors, attracting pollinators to your garden. You can sow them indoors or in a greenhouse before moving them outside after the last frost.

Tips for Starting Seeds in April:

• Light & Temperature: Most seeds will need a warm, sunny spot to sprout. If you don’t have enough sunlight, consider using a grow light.

• Watering: Keep the soil moist, but avoid overwatering. Seedlings are susceptible to damping off, a fungal disease caused by too much moisture.

• Hardening Off: Before planting seedlings outside, make sure to harden them off by gradually introducing them to outdoor conditions.

April is an exciting time for gardeners, with plenty of opportunities to sow seeds that will thrive throughout the growing season. Whether you’re aiming for fresh vegetables or colourful flowers, starting seeds now will set you up for a successful garden ahead!