Planting calendar
April Planting Guide for Houston, TX: Raised Beds, Containers & In-Ground Gardens
April in Houston is ideal for planting warm-season vegetables and herbs in raised beds, containers, or directly in the ground. Focus on heat-tolerant crops and start some seeds indoors for a continuous harvest. Avoid frost-sensitive plants early in the month and prepare soil for summer crops.
Plant now (quick list)
Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplants, Okra, Sweet potatoes, Basil, Cucumbers, Beans
Plant now
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplants
- Okra
- Sweet potatoes
- Basil
- Cucumbers
- Beans
- Squash
- Melons
Start indoors
- Corn
- Watermelon (early start)
- Pumpkins
- Sunflowers
- Malabar spinach
- Sweet corn
Avoid
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Brussels sprouts
- Kale
- Spinach
- Lettuce (late April heat may bolt)
- Peas
Next 2 weeks
- Transplant tomato and pepper seedlings outdoors after hardening off
- Mulch raised beds to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Begin regular watering schedule for warm-season crops
- Monitor for pests like aphids and caterpillars
- Fertilize containers with balanced, slow-release fertilizer
- Thin seedlings in raised beds to prevent overcrowding
- Stake or cage tomatoes and peppers
- Rotate crops to prevent soil-borne diseases
FAQs
Can I plant tomatoes directly in the ground in April in Houston?
Yes, April is a good time to transplant tomato seedlings outdoors in Houston, as the risk of frost is minimal and soil temperatures are warm enough.
Should I water raised beds differently than containers in April?
Containers dry out faster than raised beds, so they typically need more frequent watering, especially as temperatures rise in April.
Is it necessary to fertilize vegetables planted in raised beds in April?
Yes, applying a balanced fertilizer helps support vigorous growth, especially for nutrient-hungry warm-season crops.
What vegetables should I avoid planting in April due to heat?
Cool-season crops like broccoli, cabbage, and lettuce may bolt or struggle as temperatures rise, so it's best to avoid planting them in April.
When should I start seeds indoors for summer crops in Houston?
Start seeds indoors in early to mid-April for crops like corn, watermelon, and pumpkins to transplant outdoors after seedlings are established.
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