Your April Planting Guide: What to Grow Right Now
Birdhouse.farm, located in Stafford, KS, sits within USDA Hardiness Zone 6b, a region characterized by cold winters and hot summers—ideal conditions for a diverse range of crops. The growing season here typically spans from mid-April to October, with the last frost occurring around mid-April and the first frost arriving in late October. This planting guide is specifically tailored to our area, ensuring local gardeners know exactly what to plant and when. However, gardeners in other Zone 6b areas, including parts of Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia, can follow similar guidelines. Those in nearby zones, such as 6a or 7a, can also use this guide with slight adjustments based on local temperature variations.
Vegetables to Plant Right Now
Leafy Greens (Seeds or Seedlings): Lettuce, spinach, kale, and Swiss chard can still be planted from seed for a late spring harvest, or you can use seedlings for a quicker yield.
Root Vegetables (Seeds): Carrots, radishes, beets, and turnips should be direct-sown in the garden now.
Brassicas (Seedlings): Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts should be planted as seedlings to give them a head start.
Peas (Seeds): Snap peas, snow peas, and shelling peas should be sown directly in the garden for a late spring crop.
Potatoes (Seed Potatoes): Now is the time to plant seed potatoes for a summer harvest.
Herbs to Plant Right Now
Hardy Herbs (Seeds or Seedlings): Parsley, cilantro, and chives can be direct-seeded or planted as young seedlings.
Tender Herbs (Seedlings): Basil, dill, and thyme should be started as seedlings or potted plants outdoors as temperatures stabilize.
Flowers to Plant Right Now
Cool-Season Flowers (Seedlings): Pansies, violas, and snapdragons should be planted as seedlings for immediate blooms.
Perennials (Seedlings or Mature Plants): Plant coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, and milkweed as young plants or mature perennials to establish strong roots before summer.
Wildflowers (Seeds): April is a great time to scatter native wildflower seeds, such as coreopsis and blanket flowers, for a pollinator-friendly garden.
Garden Preparation Tips for Right Now
Soil Enrichment: Add compost and organic matter to improve soil fertility before planting.
Pest Management: Monitor for early-season pests like aphids and cabbage worms, and use natural deterrents.
Succession Planting: Stagger planting times for greens and root vegetables to ensure a continuous harvest.
By choosing the right seeds, seedlings, or mature plants, your home garden in Stafford, KS, will flourish this season. Happy planting!