"April brings the primrose sweet"
What Seeds to Sow in April
April is one of the most active and rewarding months in my gardening calendar. As soil temperatures begin to rise and daylight hours lengthen across the UK, a wide range of seeds can be sown either indoors for an early start or directly outdoors. Whether you’re growing vegetables, flowers, or herbs, April offers excellent opportunities to build a productive and colourful garden for the months ahead.
Choosing which seeds to sow early can make a big difference to the success of the garden later in the year. I’ve learned over time that getting the timing right in spring sets the tone for everything that follows. By April, things really start to shift, with a sense that the growing season is properly underway.
For me, April is one of the busiest and most exciting months in the garden. It’s the point where I’m juggling indoor sowing with direct sowing outside, making the most of every bit of space available. I have to be realistic and choose the varieties I like to eat or use or are attractive to pollinators within the space I have available. So, my choice varieties typically sown in April, (vegetables, flowers and herbs) but by no means an exhaustive list
Vegetables to Sow in April
By April, I’m splitting my vegetable sowing between outdoors and indoors, depending on how hardy the crop is.
Outdoors (direct sowing)
Once the soil has started to warm and dry out a little, I begin sowing directly into beds.
Root vegetables
Carrots, parsnips, beetroot, and radishes all perform well when sown directly now. Beetroot and radishes are easy beginners, radishes especially because they’re quick and give me an early win in the garden.
Carrots are always high on my list. Avoiding my heavy clay soil, I sow these in a large container to make sure the soil is fine and stone-free to avoid misshapen roots.
Leafy greens
I also start sowing leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, chard and rocket. I don’t sow everything at once; instead, I sow small amounts every couple of weeks, so I get a steady supply rather than a glut. These crops prefer moist soil and partial sun as temperatures rise.
Peas and broad beans
I haven’t sown any peas yet, so with some more broad beans, these will go in during April. They enjoy the cool conditions and will quickly establish.
Onions and leeks
Onion sets can be planted out, and leek seeds can be sown in seedbeds for transplanting later.
Turnips and spring onions
Quick-growing and reliable, these are excellent for filling gaps in beds.
Indoors (or under cover)
Even in April, I don’t take chances with tender crops. These tender vegetables still need protection from late frosts.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a must for me. I start them indoors in my little propagator, although a bright warm windowsill works well too. They need warmth and consistent light, but once they get going, they grow quickly. By starting in April, you’ll still get a good harvest later in summer for outdoor plants.
Cucumbers
One of the best patio cucumbers to sow now indoors is Mini Munch.
Greenhouse varieties can be started now indoors. Outdoor types can also be started but planted out later.
Courgettes and squashes
I sow each courgette seed in individual pots because they dislike root disturbance. They grow fast, so April timing works perfectly, ready for hardening off and planting out in May. Summer squashes too can be started the same.
Sweetcorn
Sweetcorn is best started indoors in modules to protect from cold soil and pests. Plant out in blocks later for good pollination.
French and runner beans
You can start these indoors for a head start, especially in cooler regions.
Flowers to Sow in April
April is when I really start thinking about colour in the garden as well as productivity.
Outdoors (direct sowing) Flowers
Hardy annuals
I look forward to sowing hardy annuals straight into the ground this month. Calendula, cornflowers, poppies, and nigella are some of my favourites, they’re easy, reliable, and invaluable for pollinators.
Wildflowers
To create a more natural look, I’ll sow a patch of wildflowers. April is a prime time for that, and it doesn’t take much effort to get a lovely display later on, either a mix or single species such as cornflowers or ox-eye daisy.
Sunflowers
In milder areas, you can sow sunflowers directly outdoors late in April, though many gardeners prefer to start them indoors to protect from slugs.
Flower Seed Indoors (or under cover)
For more tender flowers, I stick to indoor sowing.
Half-hardy annuals
Cosmos and zinnias are regulars for me, they’re easy to grow and produce masses of colour through summer. Nicotiana for evening scent, or asters and marigolds for a varied display.
Climbers
Climbers like morning glory can be started now too, giving them time to establish before they head outside.
Perennials and biennials
Planning ahead, if you have room, I would also sow some perennials like delphiniums or foxgloves. These may not flower fully in their first year but will establish strong roots. They take longer to mature, but it’s worth it for future years.
Herbs to Sow in April
Herbs are something I like to keep close to the kitchen, and April is a great time to get them started.
Hardy herbs Outdoors
I sow hardy herbs like parsley, coriander, dill, and chervil directly outside. These herbs prefer cooler conditions and may bolt quickly later in summer, so early sowing is beneficial.
Tender herbs Indoors
For more tender or warmth -loving herbs, I stick to indoor sowing.
Basil is a must, but it definitely needs warmth and light. I usually keep it on a sunny windowsill. Alongside it, I’ll sow oregano and thyme (sage and rosemary are others) to build up a good herb selection for summer. Starting these indoors gives them a strong start before transplanting outside once the risk of frost has passed.
My Key Tips for April Sowing
Over time, I’ve developed a few habits that make April sowing much more successful.
1. Watch the weather
April can be unpredictable in the UK, with warm days and occasional late frosts. Keep fleece or cloches handy to protect young seedlings outdoors.
2. Prepare the soil
Soil preparation is key. Before sowing outdoors, I make sure the soil is weed-free and raked to a fine texture. Spreading a layer of compost where I can makes a noticeable difference to my heavy clay soil.
3. Succession sowing
Succession sowing is something I rely on heavily. Rather than planting everything at once, I spread things out, sowing small batches every 1-2 weeks. It keeps the harvest manageable and continuous, especially in my confined space.
4. Light and warmth indoors
For indoor seedlings, light is everything. Without enough brightness, they quickly become weak and leggy, so I prioritise the sunniest spots for them and keep turning the pots or seed trays. A check on the compost moisture to keep damp but not waterlogged.
5. Harden off seedlings
And before anything goes outside permanently, I always harden plants off gradually over 7-10 days. It’s a small step that prevents a lot of setbacks.
A Balanced April Sowing Plan
To make the most of April, aim for a mix like this:
- Vegetables: carrots, lettuce, peas (outdoors); tomatoes, courgettes (indoors)
- Flowers: poppies, cornflowers (outdoors); cosmos, zinnias (indoors)
- Herbs: parsley, coriander (outdoors); basil (indoors)
This combination ensures:
- Early harvests (radishes, lettuce)
- Summer crops (tomatoes, beans)
- Continuous colour (annual flowers)
- Fresh herbs for cooking
Springing Forward
For me, April is when the garden comes alive. The conditions are improving, but there’s still enough coolness to favour hardy crops while giving me time to prepare tender plants indoors. .
By sowing a diverse mix of vegetables, flowers, and herbs, I set the stage for a season that’s not only productive but also full of colour and variety. Every year is slightly different, but April always feels like the true beginning of it all.
Quote:
April brings the primrose sweet,
Scatters daisies at our feet...
~Sara Coleridge (1802–1852), "The Months"