Planting calendar
April Planting Guide for Phoenix, AZ: Raised Beds, Containers & In-Ground
April in Phoenix is ideal for planting heat-tolerant vegetables and herbs in raised beds, containers, and in-ground gardens. Focus on warm-season crops that thrive in high temperatures and prepare for the intense sun by providing shade or mulch. This month, you can plant directly outdoors and start some heat-loving seeds indoors for later transplanting.
Plant now (quick list)
Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplants, Okra, Sweet potatoes, Basil, Melons, Corn
Plant now
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplants
- Okra
- Sweet potatoes
- Basil
- Melons
- Corn
- Beans
- Sunflowers
Start indoors
- Pumpkins
- Squash
- Cucumbers
- Watermelon
- Hot peppers
- Malabar spinach
- Sweet corn
- Amaranth
Avoid
- Cool-season leafy greens (lettuce, spinach)
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Peas
- Radishes
- Carrots
- Brussels sprouts
Next 2 weeks
- Monitor soil moisture closely; increase watering frequency as temperatures rise
- Apply mulch to conserve moisture and reduce soil temperature
- Provide partial shade during peak afternoon sun for young transplants
- Watch for pests like aphids and whiteflies; use organic controls if needed
- Thin seedlings in containers and raised beds to reduce overcrowding
- Fertilize warm-season crops with balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks
- Prepare soil for fall planting by adding compost
- Check irrigation systems for efficiency
- Harden off indoor seedlings before transplanting outdoors
- Plan for summer heat protection such as shade cloths
FAQs
Can I plant cool-season vegetables in April in Phoenix?
April is generally too hot for cool-season vegetables in Phoenix; they tend to bolt or fail in high heat. It's best to wait until fall for these crops.
How often should I water my raised beds in April?
Water raised beds deeply 2-3 times per week, increasing frequency as temperatures rise, to keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Is it better to start seeds indoors or direct sow in April?
Heat-loving crops like tomatoes and peppers can be started indoors early in April for transplanting, while many warm-season crops like beans and okra can be direct sown.
What soil amendments help in April for Phoenix gardens?
Incorporate compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility and moisture retention, which is crucial for hot, dry conditions.
How can I protect young plants from intense sun in April?
Use shade cloth or temporary covers during the hottest part of the day, especially for seedlings and transplants, to prevent sunburn and stress.
Next steps
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