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Seasonal

April Planting Guide

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April, the last remnants of winter melt away and it’s ideal time to dive into planting. You’re a seasoned gardener? Just starting out? This April Planting Guide offers a wealth of opportunities to cultivate a vibrant and productive garden. Here are some of the best plants to start growing in Massachusetts in April:

Tomatoes

While it’s still too early to plant tomatoes outdoors in April, it’s the perfect time to start seeds indoors. Tomatoes require a longer growing season, so starting them indoors gives them a head start before transplanting them outside once the danger of frost has passed. Choose a sunny spot indoors and sow tomato seeds in containers or seed trays filled with potting soil. With proper care, you’ll have healthy tomato seedlings ready for the garden in no time. c

“Closeup cherry tomatoes growing plant“/ CC0 1.0

Peppers

Like tomatoes, peppers benefit from an early start indoors in April. Start pepper seeds in containers indoors about 8-10 weeks before the last frost date. Peppers thrive in warm temperatures, so be sure to provide adequate heat and light for optimal germination and growth. Once the seedlings have developed a few sets of true leaves, they can be transplanted into the garden after all threat of frost has passed.

Lettuce and Salad Greens

April is an excellent time to sow seeds for lettuce and other salad greens directly in the garden. Lettuce prefers cooler temperatures, so planting in early spring ensures a bountiful harvest before the heat of summer sets in. Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil and sow seeds thinly in rows or patches. Keep the soil consistently moist, and you’ll soon be enjoying fresh, crisp salads from your garden.

Radishes

Radishes are one of the quickest and easiest vegetables to grow, making them perfect for beginners and seasoned gardeners alike. Sow radish seeds directly in the garden in April, spacing them about an inch apart in rows. Radishes prefer cool weather and will mature in as little as three to four weeks. Harvest them when they reach the desired size for a crunchy and spicy addition to salads and snacks.

“Radish Vegetables” by Skitter Photo/ CC0 1.0

Herbs

Many herbs thrive when started from seed or transplanted outdoors in April. Sow herbs like basil, cilantro, parsley, and dill directly in the garden once the soil has warmed up. Alternatively, you can start herb seeds indoors and transplant them outside later in the season. Herbs are not only delicious additions to your culinary creations but also attract beneficial insects to the garden.

Spinach

Spinach is another cool-season crop that thrives in Massachusetts in April. Sow spinach seeds directly in the garden in early spring for a nutritious and delicious addition to your meals. Spinach prefers rich, well-drained soil and regular watering to keep the leaves tender and flavorful. Harvest spinach leaves when they are young and tender for the best flavor and texture.

Peas

Plant a classic spring crop, peas, outdoors in April. As soon as the soil can be worked, space them about two inches apart in rows. Peas are climbing vines, so provide support for them to climb as they grow. Water regularly and fertilize, your reward will be sweet and crunchy pea pods in no time.

April is an exciting time for gardeners in Massachusetts as they prepare for the upcoming growing season. By planting these top crops in April, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of fresh vegetables and herbs throughout the spring and summer months. So grab your gardening gloves and get ready to sow the seeds of success in your garden this April!

Disclaimer:

Building Center, herein referred to as “the Company,” is a reputable provider of building materials catering to homeowners and industry professionals alike. The contents of this blog is intended solely for the purpose of informing and assisting individuals engaged in various building projects. It is imperative to emphasize that the information presented herein is provided strictly for informational purposes. While the Company endeavors to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the content to the best of its ability, it must be acknowledged that inadvertent omissions, errors, or inaccuracies may occur.

Therefore, it is strongly advised that individuals seek the counsel and guidance of qualified professionals before embarking on any course of action based on the information provided in this blog. Safety considerations must always take precedence in all building endeavors. Accordingly, any actions undertaken based on the information presented within this blog are executed at the sole risk and discretion of the reader. The Company, its affiliates, and its representatives shall not be held liable or accountable for any adverse consequences, damages, or losses incurred as a result of reliance on the information contained in this blog. By accessing and utilizing this blog, the reader acknowledges and agrees to hold the Company harmless from any and all liabilities arising from such reliance

Digging In, Learn

Digging in: March Planting Guide

We’ve prepped the garden and have our garden tools, now it’s tine for the March planting guide! As the frost starts to recede and the days grow longer, it’s time to get your hands dirty and start planning your garden. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, there are plenty of plants that thrive in Massachusetts during this time of year. 

Here’s your March Planting Guide:

  1. Leafy Greens: March is the perfect time to start growing lettuce, spinach, kale, and other leafy greens. These crops thrive in cooler temperatures and can be grown in both outdoor gardens and containers. They’re quick to germinate and can be harvested in just a few weeks, making them an ideal choice for early spring planting.
  2. Peas: Peas are another cool-season crop that does well in Massachusetts in March. Plant peas directly in the ground as soon as the soil can be worked, and they’ll quickly sprout and begin to climb. Peas are not only delicious fresh from the garden but also add nitrogen back into the soil, making them a valuable addition to any garden.
  3. Radishes: Radishes are one of the fastest-growing vegetables you can plant, making them perfect for impatient gardeners. Sow radish seeds directly in the ground in March, and you’ll be rewarded with crisp, spicy radishes in just a few weeks. They’re also a great crop for kids to grow since they mature so quickly.
  4. Carrots: Carrots are another root vegetable that can be planted in March in Massachusetts. Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil, and sow carrot seeds directly in the ground. Be sure to keep the soil consistently moist until the seeds germinate, and thin the seedlings as they grow to ensure proper spacing.
  5. Onions: Onions are a staple in many gardens and can be planted in March as soon as the soil is workable. Plant onion sets or seedlings in well-drained soil and keep them evenly watered throughout the growing season. Onions are relatively low-maintenance and can be harvested in late summer or early fall.
  6. Broccoli and Cauliflower: Broccoli and cauliflower are both cold-hardy crops that can be started indoors in March and transplanted outside later in the spring. Start seeds indoors about six weeks before the last frost date, and transplant seedlings into the garden once the soil has warmed up. These nutritious vegetables are worth the extra effort and can be harvested throughout the spring and early summer.

March is an exciting time for gardeners in Massachusetts as they prepare for the upcoming growing season. By planting these top crops in March, you can enjoy a harvest of fresh vegetables and herbs throughout the spring and summer months. So roll up your sleeves, grab your gardening tools, and get ready to start growing.

Here’s a quick guide to what and when to plant!

March Planting Guide Zone 6  Download Here >>

 

 

 

Disclaimer:

Building Center, herein referred to as “the Company,” is a reputable provider of building materials catering to homeowners and industry professionals alike. The contents of this blog is intended solely for the purpose of informing and assisting individuals engaged in various building projects. It is imperative to emphasize that the information presented herein is provided strictly for informational purposes. While the Company endeavors to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the content to the best of its ability, it must be acknowledged that inadvertent omissions, errors, or inaccuracies may occur.

Therefore, it is strongly advised that individuals seek the counsel and guidance of qualified professionals before embarking on any course of action based on the information provided in this blog. Safety considerations must always take precedence in all building endeavors. Accordingly, any actions undertaken based on the information presented within this blog are executed at the sole risk and discretion of the reader.

The Company, its affiliates, and its representatives shall not be held liable or accountable for any adverse consequences, damages, or losses incurred as a result of reliance on the information contained in this blog. By accessing and utilizing this blog, the reader acknowledges and agrees to hold the Company harmless from any and all liabilities arising from such reliance.