As spring unfolds in New Jersey, it’s the perfect time to rejuvenate your garden with a variety of vegetables, herbs, and flowers. April’s cool temperatures and lengthening days create ideal conditions for planting. Here’s a guide to what you can plant now to ensure a vibrant and productive garden.
Vegetables
April is ideal for sowing cool-season vegetables that thrive in New Jersey’s spring climate:
- Leafy Greens: Spinach, lettuce, endive, cabbage, and Swiss chard can be planted now. These hardy greens tolerate cooler temperatures and can be sown directly into the soil. Patch
- Root Vegetables: Late April is suitable for planting root crops like beets, carrots, turnips, and potatoes. These vegetables prefer cooler soil and will establish well before the summer heat. Patch
- Peas: Sugar snap and English peas can be planted as soon as the soil is workable. They are hardy and will benefit from the cool early spring weather. The National Gardening Association
Herbs
Many herbs can be started now, either indoors or directly in the garden:
- Parsley and Cilantro: These herbs can be sown directly into the garden in early April. They prefer cooler temperatures and will establish quickly.
- Chives and Dill: These can also be planted early in the season and will provide fresh flavors for your culinary endeavors.
Flowers
Introduce color and attract pollinators by planting early-blooming flowers:Reddit+10The Spruce+10gardeningknowhow+10
- Pansies and Violas: These hardy annuals can withstand cooler temperatures and provide early spring color.The Garden Club of New Jersey
- Snapdragons and Alyssum: These can be planted now for blooms that will last into the warmer months.
- Perennials: Consider planting fast-growing perennials like yarrow and coneflower. These will establish quickly and provide long-lasting blooms. Real Simple
Fruits
April is a great time to plant certain fruit-bearing plants:homesandgardens.com
- Strawberries: Planting strawberries now will allow them to establish before the summer, leading to a fruitful harvest.
- Blueberries: These bushes can be planted in early spring. Ensure you have acidic soil and consider planting more than one variety for better pollination.
General Gardening Tips
- Soil Preparation: Ensure your garden soil is well-draining and enriched with organic matter. Avoid working the soil if it’s too wet, as this can lead to compaction. The Garden Club of New Jersey
- Frost Dates: Be mindful of the last expected frost date in your area. In Red Bank, NJ, the average last frost date is around April 15th. Plan your plantings accordingly, and be prepared to protect tender plants if a late frost is forecasted.
- Mulching: Applying a layer of mulch around your plants can help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
By planting these selections now, you’ll set the stage for a lush and productive garden that will provide beauty and bounty throughout the growing season. Happy gardening!
Realtor Stacey Donadio 