April Planting Guide: What to Grow for a Backyard Harvest

April is one of the most important planting months for gardeners in the Annapolis, MD area (Zone 7b). As soil warms and frost risk fades, it’s the perfect time to start building a productive backyard harvest. Whether you’re growing vegetables, herbs, or fruits, getting plants established now sets you up for success through summer and beyond.

Vegetables to Plant in April

April is ideal for both cool-season crops and early warm-season planting.

• Leafy Greens: Lettuce, spinach, kale, and arugula thrive in cooler temperatures and grow quickly.
• Root Vegetables: Carrots, radishes, and beets can be directly sown into the garden.
• Peas: Sugar snap and shelling peas do especially well when planted early in the month.
• Early Warm Crops (late April): Start planting broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower transplants, along with hardy crops like potatoes and onions.

Toward the end of April, as soil temperatures rise, you can begin planting beans and preparing beds for tomatoes and peppers in early May.

Herbs to Start Now

Herbs are some of the easiest and most rewarding plants to grow in April.

• Cool-Weather Herbs: Cilantro, parsley, and chives can be planted early in the month.
• Perennial Herbs: Thyme, oregano, and mint can be added to your garden or containers now and will return year after year.
• Warm-Weather Herbs (late April): Basil can be planted once nights are consistently mild.

Herbs are ideal for containers, raised beds, or tucked into vegetable gardens for a functional and fragrant addition.

Fruits for a Backyard Harvest

April is also a great time to establish fruit-producing plants.

• Strawberries: Perfect for raised beds or containers, and they’ll produce quickly.
• Blueberries: Thrive in acidic soil and make an excellent long-term investment.
• Brambles: Raspberries and blackberries can be planted now for future harvests.

Adding fruit plants now allows them to establish roots before summer heat arrives.

Tips for April Planting Success

• Watch the weather: Late frosts are still possible early in the month—have row covers ready.
• Prepare your soil: Mix in organic compost or soil conditioners to boost plant health.
• Start small: Focus on a manageable number of crops for better results.
• Water consistently: Spring rains help, but new plantings still need regular moisture.

April is all about momentum—what you plant now lays the groundwork for a steady harvest throughout the growing season.

Visit our garden center to explore fresh arrivals of vegetables, herbs, fruit plants, and organic gardening supplies to get your backyard growing.

FAQ

What vegetables grow best in April in Maryland (Zone 7b)?
Leafy greens, root vegetables, peas, and brassicas like broccoli and cabbage all perform well when planted in April.

Is it too early to plant tomatoes in April?
In most cases, it’s best to wait until late April or early May when nighttime temperatures are consistently above 50°F.

Can I plant herbs outdoors in April?
Yes. Hardy herbs like parsley, cilantro, and thyme can go in early, while basil should wait until later in the month.

What fruits can I plant in April?
Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries are all excellent choices for April planting.

Do I need to fertilize when planting?
Incorporating organic compost or a balanced fertilizer at planting time helps give plants a strong start.