April is a pivotal month for gardeners in Central Texas. With the warming soil and longer days, it’s the perfect time to plant a variety of vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this guide will help you make the most of your garden this month.

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What to Plant in April

Vegetables to Direct Sow (Seeds)

April is ideal for sowing heat-loving vegetables directly into the soil. Here’s a comprehensive list:

• Beans: Snap beans, pole beans, lima beans, yardlong beans
• Corn: Sweet corn, popcorn, dent corn
• Cucumbers: Slicing cucumbers, pickling cucumbers, Armenian cucumbers
• Squash: Zucchini, yellow squash, pattypan squash, spaghetti squash
• Melons: Cantaloupe, watermelon, honeydew, canary melon
• Okra: Clemson Spineless, Red Burgundy, Jing Orange
• Pumpkins: Sugar Pie and smaller varieties for early planting
• Sunflowers: Edible seed varieties and ornamental types for pollinators

Vegetables to Transplant

For crops that need a head start, transplants are the way to go:

• Tomatoes: Cherry, Roma, beefsteak, heirloom varieties
• Peppers: Bell peppers, jalapeños, habaneros, serranos, poblanos, banana peppers
• Eggplants: Black Beauty, Fairy Tale, Japanese varieties
• Sweet Potatoes: Slips for Beauregard, Centennial, or Garnet varieties

Herbs to Plant

Both annual and perennial herbs thrive in April:

• Warm-Season Herbs:

  • Basil (Genovese, Thai, lemon, purple)
  • Dill
  • Cilantro (plant in partial shade to extend its season)
  • Oregano
  • Thyme
  • Chives
  • Lemon balm
  • Mint (keep contained as it spreads easily)

• Perennial Herbs (for long-term gardens):

  • Rosemary
  • Lavender
  • Sage
  • Mexican mint marigold (a tarragon alternative)

Flowers for Pollinators and Companion Planting

Adding flowers to your garden not only enhances its beauty but also attracts pollinators and deters pests:

• Companion Flowers:

  • Marigolds: Repel nematodes and attract pollinators
  • Nasturtiums: Trap aphids and attract beneficial insects
  • Calendula: Edible flowers that repel some pests
  • Zinnias: Attract pollinators and beneficial insects

• Other Pollinator-Friendly Flowers:

  • Sunflowers
  • Cosmos
  • Black-eyed Susans
  • Bee balm

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Tips for Gardening Success in April

1. Prepare Your Soil

   • Add compost or organic matter to enrich the soil.
   • Test your soil and amend it as needed for optimal plant growth.

2. Water Wisely

   • Use drip irrigation or water deeply in the early morning to conserve moisture and reduce evaporation.

3. Mulch to Retain Moisture

   • Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around plants to help regulate soil temperature and suppress weeds.

4. Watch for Pests

   • Common pests in April include aphids, caterpillars, and squash bugs. Use natural pest control methods like neem oil or introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs.

5. Support Your Plants

   • Install trellises or stakes for climbing plants like beans, cucumbers, and tomatoes to encourage healthy growth and air circulation.

6. Succession Planting

   • Plant crops like beans and cucumbers every 2-3 weeks to ensure a continuous harvest throughout the season.

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Why April is Key for Central Texas Gardening

April marks the transition from cool-season crops to warm-season vegetables. The soil is warm enough for direct sowing, and the longer daylight hours encourage rapid plant growth. By planting now, you’ll set yourself up for a bountiful harvest in the months ahead.

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Get Started with ATX Growers

At ATX Growers, we’re here to support your gardening journey with eco-friendly practices, seeds, starter plants, and expert advice. Don’t forget to check out our Central Texas Monthly Planting Guide for more detailed recommendations.

Let’s grow together! 🌱

Our blog content is created by Karla with the support of AI tools to provide accurate, engaging, and helpful gardening tips.