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, and in-ground gardens. Focus on heat-tolerant crops and start some seeds indoors for later transplanting. Avoid frost-sensitive plants early in the month and prepare for increasing temperatures.
Plant now (quick list)
Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplants, Okra, Sweet potatoes, Basil, Cucumbers, Beans
Plant now
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplants
- Okra
- Sweet potatoes
- Basil
- Cucumbers
- Beans
- Southern peas
- Malabar spinach
Start indoors
- Watermelon
- Cantaloupe
- Pumpkins
- Winter squash
- Corn
- Sunflowers
- Zucchini
- Melons
- Sweet corn
- Okra (if not planted directly)
Avoid
- Cool-season greens like kale and spinach (will bolt quickly)
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Brussels sprouts
- Peas
- Potatoes
- Carrots (late plantings may struggle)
- Lettuce (heat sensitive)
- Radishes (bolt in heat)
- Beets (slow growth in heat)
Next 2 weeks
- Monitor soil moisture closely as temperatures rise
- Mulch raised beds and containers to retain moisture
- Harden off indoor seedlings before transplanting
- Start trellising cucumbers and beans early
- Watch for pests like aphids and squash bugs
- Fertilize tomatoes and peppers with balanced fertilizer
- Thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding
- Water early in the day to reduce fungal issues
- Add compost to in-ground beds for nutrients
- Plan for shade cloth use during hottest days
FAQs
Can I plant tomatoes directly in the ground in April in Houston?
Yes, April is a good time to plant tomatoes directly in the ground as the risk of frost is minimal and soil temperatures are warming.
Should I start seeds indoors or plant directly in April?
Warm-season crops like tomatoes and peppers can be planted directly, but starting melons and squash indoors can give them a head start.
How often should I water raised beds and containers in April?
Water daily or as needed to keep soil consistently moist, especially as temperatures increase during April.
What pests should I watch for in April in Houston gardens?
Common pests include aphids, squash bugs, and whiteflies; regular inspection and early control help prevent damage.
Is it too hot to plant cool-season crops in April?
Cool-season crops generally bolt quickly in Houston’s April heat, so it's best to avoid planting them this month.
Next steps
Get a personalized planting plan
Answer a few questions and generate a plan for your exact location and setup.
Build your garden shopping list
Get a starter kit checklist for what you want to grow (with optional links).
Ask the Gardener
Get quick answers and next-step guidance for your garden.
Want this page for a different city? Try the tool and enter your ZIP: Plant this month.