It’s April, y’all. Spring has officially begun. Seeds are sprouting, fruit trees are showcasing their baby fruits, and your garden is calling for attention. This might be one of the busiest months in the gardening calendar—but let’s be real: it’s also one of the most exciting.
April gives you that “I can grow anything” energy. It’s a beautiful mix of longer days, warmer temperatures, and a garden full of potential. Whether you’re planting seeds, laying mulch, pulling weeds, or keeping pests away from your strawberries, there’s always something to do. And the best part? You have the green light to plant just about everything directly outdoors.
Zone 9 Gardeners: Now or Never
Down here in Zone 9—shoutout to Houston—April is go time. It’s the last chance to get your spring garden started before the heatwave settles in. We’re looking at average temperatures of 60° in the morning, with highs creeping up to 80° by mid-afternoon. That means it’s too hot for fall crops, and some early spring crops are already struggling. So, we pivot—slowly but surely—into our summer lineup.
Forget about “April showers bring May flowers.” Down here, we experience more of an “April hustle brings May harvest.” It’s seed-sowing season, and with just a 45-day window before the garden starts feeling like a sauna, it’s go big or go home.
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Here’s what I’m planting in the garden this April:
Cantaloupe / Musk Melon
Last year, I grew cantaloupe for the first time in nearly a decade—and let me tell you, it was everything I had been missing. The taste difference between homegrown and store-bought is like comparing a backyard BBQ to a microwave dinner.
I planted a variety called Hale’s Jumbo last year, and they did their thing, so I’m planting them again. This time, I’m training them up a fence with butterfly peas for company.
Butterfly Peas
Remember when butterfly peas were the thing? They were in every trendy lemonade, tea, and Pinterest board about five years ago. While the hype died down, I’ve kept the tradition alive—seven years and counting.
Pro tip: Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours or wrap them in a wet paper towel inside a Ziploc bag until they sprout. Start them in containers, provide a trellis (they’ll grow over 6 feet tall), and wait for the stunning blue-and-purple flowers. Want seeds for next year? Let a few flowers turn into pods and dry on the vine—boom—perpetual butterfly peas.
Corn
Corn and I have a love-hate relationship. I never get full ears, but I’m not a quitter. Last month’s corn flopped, so I bought new seeds and tried again. This time, I’m experimenting with both in-ground and container corn. The variety is Super Sweet, and if all goes well, I’ll be shucking ears just in time for summer cookouts.
Basil
Listen, Basil is the one. It’s my best and biggest producer year after year. I planted sweet Italian basil around my tomatoes and am still waiting for my holy basil seeds to arrive in the mail. As soon as they arrive, they'll go straight into the soil.
Potatoes
I meant to plant these last month but forgot because I stored them in a cabinet I never opened. Classic. You don’t need to plant a whole potato—just a piece with two or more eyes. Let those pieces dry out first (known as “chitting”) so they don’t rot. I planted mine on April 1st in a few different spots: in containers and in the ground. Let the potato madness begin.
Peppers, Eggplant & Ginger
I finally planted the chili peppers, sweet peppers, and eggplant seedlings that I started indoors in December. I waited a bit longer this year to allow the soil to warm up—bigger transplants equal bigger harvests (hopefully). I’m also growing ginger in containers throughout the garden—because why not?
Malabar Spinach & Friends
Malabar spinach is the MVP of summer greens. It thrives in the heat and grows like a vine, with green or purple-stemmed varieties. Both varieties require support, so prepare those trellises. This year, I’m also testing New Zealand spinach from Baker Creek.
Cucumbers
April is cucumber month. The seeds require warmth to sprout, but the plants thrive in heat—so timing is crucial. I’m growing three varieties this year: Mexican Gherkin, Marketmore, and Telegraph Improved (an English type). Cucumber vines love to climb, so I repurposed the crib rails from my twins’ old bed into garden trellises. Upcycling at its finest.
Sunflowers & Flowers Galore
Let’s talk flowers. I’m always on team sunflower but not picky about the variety. I scored 2.5 lbs of birdseed sunflowers for $2.99—and guess what? They grow just fine. Who needs designer sunflowers when you can cultivate a field of them for less than the price of a latte?
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Harvest Highlights
March wrapped up with solid harvests: calendula flowers (now drying), oregano, rosemary, spinach, and Swiss chard. The Tyee spinach isn’t my favorite—it’s just… there. I’m also beginning to see the first tomato flowers, and the last of my celery is ready to be harvested.
The Fruit Trees Are Fruiting!
The blackberries are starting to do their thing. I’ve got baby peaches on two trees, and the nectarines are coming in strong. My dwarf Bonanza peach tree didn’t bloom, but it’s still young—so no hard feelings.
Furthermore, the jasmine in the front yard is blooming, filling the entire front garden with an amazing fragrance. Every year around this time, I’m reminded why I fell in love with gardening in the first place. It’s not just the plants that come alive—it’s the whole vibe.
Weeds, Ants & Imperfections
Before you think everything is picture-perfect, let me be honest: the weeds and unwanted grasses have returned. Fire ants have overtaken two raised beds, and not everything I planted emerged as it should. My corn seeds ghosted me last month, and my English peas were devoured by mystery pests. Gardening isn’t perfect; it’s simply progress.
New Pots, New Trees
My dad upgraded his garden setup and gifted me his old containers. A dozen 10-gallon ceramic pots? Say less. I’ve already filled a few with a Methley plum, a Bloomsweet grapefruit, and an improved Meyer lemon. Because when life gives you empty pots… you plant fruit trees.
Final Thoughts
April is magical. Busy? Absolutely. But there’s something about watching your garden awaken that makes all the effort worthwhile. So get out there. Experiment with something new. Make mistakes. Grow things anyway. PLANT PLANTS!
When you’re ready for more gardening inspiration, tutorials, and laughter, check out the Big City Gardener YouTube channel.
