What Veg Seeds To Sow In April

As the sun starts to linger a little longer and the air carries the promise of warmth, gardeners across the United Kingdom eagerly prepare their patches of soil for the burgeoning season ahead.

April marks a pivotal moment in the gardening calendar, offering an opportune time to sow a variety of vegetable seeds that will flourish in the coming months.

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a novice with a newfound love for greenery, here’s a comprehensive guide to what vegetables to sow in April in the UK.

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Salad and Herb Leaves

With the arrival of milder temperatures, April is the perfect time to sow a diverse range of salad leaves. Varieties such as lettuce, rocket, spinach, and kale thrive when sown directly into prepared beds or containers. These fast-growing greens offer a continuous harvest throughout the summer months, providing fresh and nutritious additions to your meals.

We also like to start our basil now which is equally as easy to grow but benefits from a warm start on a windowsill before planting out later in the year.

Radishes

For a quick and rewarding crop, consider sowing radish seeds in April. Radishes are renowned for their rapid growth, often ready for harvest within a matter of weeks. Their crisp texture and peppery flavour make them a delightful addition to salads and sandwiches, making them a popular choice for novice gardeners and children alike.

Carrots

April marks the ideal time to sow carrots in the UK, ensuring a bountiful harvest of sweet and crunchy roots later in the year.

Choose a sunny spot with well-drained, nutrient-poor soil mixed with plenty of sand and sow carrot seeds thinly to prevent overcrowding. Keep the soil consistently moist to encourage even germination, and thin out seedlings as they grow to allow room for the carrots to develop.

Peas

Nothing beats the taste of freshly picked peas straight from the pod. Sow pea seeds in April, either directly into the ground or in containers filled with nutrient-rich compost. Provide support for climbing varieties by installing trellises or pea sticks, ensuring they have ample space to grow upwards.

Regular watering and mulching will help to maintain soil moisture levels and encourage healthy pea production.

Beetroot

Versatile and vibrant, beetroot is a wonderful addition to any vegetable garden. Sow beetroot seeds in April for a steady supply of tender roots throughout the summer and autumn months.

Ensure the soil is free-draining and weed-free before sowing, and thin out seedlings once they emerge to prevent overcrowding. Beetroot leaves are also edible and can be enjoyed as a nutritious addition to salads and stir-fries.

Salad Onions

For a pungent kick of flavour in your culinary creations, sow salad onion seeds in April. These fast-growing alliums are perfect for adding depth to salads, soups, and stir-fries. Sow seeds thinly in rows or containers, ensuring they are kept moist until germination occurs.

As the onions grow, thin them out to allow space for bulb development and harvest as needed for a constant supply of fresh green onions.

April heralds the arrival of spring and presents an exciting opportunity to sow a diverse array of vegetable seeds in the UK. From vibrant salad leaves to crunchy carrots and sweet peas, there’s no shortage of options to choose from.

If you’re super keen, why not start some of your edible flowers, cabbages and cooking leaves.  We tend to hold on sowing squash and courgettes until May time as they grow so fast.

By following simple planting guidelines and providing the necessary care, you can look forward to a rewarding harvest of homegrown produce in the months to come. So, roll up your sleeves, dig into the soil, and let the gardening adventures begin!