April: Cool-Season Abundance

April: Cool-Season Abundance

Introduction

April is when your garden really starts to come alive. The days are longer, the soil is warming, and planting opportunities are opening up for both cool- and warm-season crops. Whether you’re growing in a LifeSpace Garden or your own DIY wicking bed with GardenWells sub-irrigation, April is about expanding your plantings, managing water wisely, and prepping for a productive season.

Reservoir Rhythm for April

With sunnier days and rising temps, plants are taking up more water. In April, expect to refill your GardenWells reservoirs roughly every 12–16 days. Use the WaterStem to check your levels — when the Hummingbird floats up, your bed is topped and ready to grow.

Pro Tip: Continue top-watering seedlings for the first 7–10 days after planting until roots reach the SIP moisture zone.

Reservoir vs. Top-Watering Comparison for April

Watering Method Average Refill Frequency Water Efficiency Plant Stress Risk Maintenance Level
GardenWells Wicking Bed Every 12–16 days ★★★★★ (90%+ retained) Very low — steady hydration Minimal
Traditional Top Watering Every 2 days ★★☆☆☆ (45–55% retained) Higher — inconsistent drying cycles High
Hand-Watering Containers Daily ★☆☆☆☆ (30–40% retained) High — uneven watering stresses roots Intensive

April’s slightly warmer weather accelerates evaporation and plant uptake, so while your SIPs stay efficient, top-watered beds will dry out quickly.

Key Gardening Tasks for April

1. Expand Your Plantings

April is the month to get serious about succession planting:

  • Direct-seed more greens like spinach, arugula, and lettuce for staggered harvests.

  • Plant warm-season crops indoors to prepare for transplanting next month.

2. Prepare Summer Beds

  • Top up SIPs and raised beds with compost and slow-release fertilizer.

  • Add mulch to regulate early spring soil temps and preserve moisture.

3. Support Young Plants

  • Install trellises for peas and early beans before growth accelerates.

  • Harden off seedlings for 5–7 days before transplanting outdoors.

4. Stay Ahead of Pests

  • Watch for aphids and flea beetles on tender greens; interplant nasturtiums as a natural deterrent.

🌿 Veggie of the Month: Lettuce

Lettuce thrives in April’s mild weather and long, sunny days. With countless varieties, it’s the perfect crop for continuous harvests.

Quick Lettuce Tips:

  • Planting: Direct-seed for baby greens or transplant starts for faster heads.

  • Harvest Window: Ready in 30–50 days depending on the type.

  • Bonus Tip: Combine multiple varieties for a vibrant, ongoing salad mix.

📘 Read the Full Lettuce Growing Guide →

What to Plant, Start, Transplant & Harvest in April

Action Veggies & Herbs
Direct-Seed Outdoors Spinach, Lettuce, Arugula, Radishes, Carrots, Beets, Turnips, Peas, Kale, Swiss Chard, Mustard Greens, Cilantro, Dill, Parsley
Start Indoors Tomatoes, Peppers, Cucumbers, Zucchini, Eggplant, Melons, Pumpkins, Basil, Rosemary, Oregano, Thyme
Transplant Now Broccoli, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Kale, Onions, Leeks, Chives, Parsley
Harvest This Month Overwintered Spinach, Kale, Chard, Scallions, Parsley, Radishes

Out-of-the-Box: Start Your Garden Today

Just unboxed your LifeSpace Garden? In April, you can get growing immediately:

  • Plant spinach, lettuce, and arugula for fresh spring salads.

  • Start quick root crops like radishes, carrots, and beets.

  • Sow peas along trellises for early vertical growth.

Fill your GardenWells reservoirs via the WaterStem, watch the Hummingbird indicator pop up, lightly top-water for the first week, and let your wicking beds handle the rest.

💡 Product Tips

April is the month where planting expands fast — and the right tools make it effortless:

Back to A Year in Your LifeSpace Garden