Planting calendar
April Planting Guide for San Francisco Gardens: Raised Beds, Containers & In-Ground
April in San Francisco is ideal for planting cool-season vegetables and herbs in raised beds, containers, and in-ground gardens. Focus on leafy greens, root vegetables, and herbs that thrive in mild spring temperatures. Avoid heat-loving plants until later in the season to ensure healthy growth.
Plant now (quick list)
Lettuce, Spinach, Kale, Carrots, Radishes, Beets, Peas, Chard
Plant now
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Kale
- Carrots
- Radishes
- Beets
- Peas
- Chard
- Cilantro
- Parsley
Start indoors
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplants
- Basil
- Marigolds
- Zinnias
- Cucumbers
- Melons
- Squash
- Pumpkins
Avoid
- Corn
- Beans (pole and bush)
- Okra
- Sweet potatoes
- Tropical plants
- Heat-loving herbs like rosemary in full sun
- Late-season tomatoes outdoors
- Cucumbers directly sown outdoors
- Eggplants outdoors
- Peppers outdoors
Next 2 weeks
- Harden off indoor seedlings before transplanting
- Prepare soil with compost for summer crops
- Mulch raised beds to retain moisture
- Monitor for pests like aphids and slugs
- Thin seedlings to avoid overcrowding
- Start succession planting of leafy greens
- Water early in the day to reduce disease risk
- Stake peas and beans as they grow
- Plan for summer crop rotation
- Test soil pH if not done recently
FAQs
Can I plant tomatoes directly outdoors in April in San Francisco?
It's best to start tomatoes indoors in April and transplant them outdoors after the last frost risk has passed, usually in late May.
What vegetables grow best in containers during April here?
Leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, and herbs such as cilantro and parsley thrive in containers during April.
How often should I water raised beds in April?
Water raised beds deeply about 1-2 times per week, adjusting based on rainfall and soil moisture.
Is it safe to plant peas outdoors now?
Yes, peas tolerate cool weather and can be planted outdoors in April in San Francisco.
Should I fertilize my garden soil this month?
April is a good time to amend soil with compost or balanced fertilizer to support spring growth.
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