Planting calendar
April Planting Guide for Houston, TX: Raised Beds, Containers & In-Ground
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 transplant hardy seedlings while continuing to manage soil moisture carefully. Avoid planting frost-sensitive crops too early as late cold snaps can still occur.
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
Start indoors
- Melons
- Pumpkins
- Winter squash
- Corn
- Watermelon
- Sunflowers
- Malabar spinach
Avoid
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Brussels sprouts
- Kale
- Spinach
- Lettuce
Next 2 weeks
- Transplant tomato and pepper seedlings outdoors after hardening off
- Mulch raised beds and containers to retain moisture and control weeds
- Begin regular watering schedule as temperatures rise
- Monitor for pests like aphids and caterpillars
- Thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding
- Fertilize warm-season crops with balanced fertilizer
- Prepare soil for successive plantings of beans and cucumbers
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, but ensure they are hardened off and the risk of frost has passed.
Should I start seeds indoors or direct sow in April?
Warm-season crops like melons and pumpkins benefit from indoor starting in April, while beans and cucumbers can be direct sown.
How often should I water raised beds and containers in April?
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, typically every 2-3 days, adjusting for rainfall and temperature.
What pests should I watch for in April in Houston gardens?
Common pests include aphids, caterpillars, and whiteflies; regular inspection and early intervention help control them.
Is it too late to plant cool-season crops in April?
Yes, most cool-season crops like broccoli and lettuce should be planted earlier; April is generally too warm for them to thrive.
Next steps
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