What to Plant in April: 7 Vegetables Canadian Gardeners Should Start Now
By Darrell Smith – DH Garden Centre & DH Landscape Solution, Vancouver, BC
April is the heart of spring, and for Canadian gardeners, it signals the start of something exciting: the return to soil. This is the moment we’ve been waiting for—when the ground begins to warm, the last frost is almost behind us, and our raised beds, pots, and backyard plots are ready to grow. Whether you’re a beginner with a balcony garden in Kitsilano or managing a large backyard plot in the suburbs, there are plenty of vegetables you can (and should) plant this month.
At DH Garden Centre, we always say: planting in April is about balance. It’s the season to embrace cool-weather crops while preparing the soil for heat-loving vegetables. So, let’s dive into 7 vegetables that are ideal to start in April in Canada—with detailed instructions on how to prepare, plant, and care for each.
1. Carrot ‘Little Finger’
Carrots are a cool-season root crop that perform best in light, loose, and well-drained soil. To prepare your garden bed, loosen the soil to a depth of at least 10 inches, removing rocks, debris, and compacted clumps that can distort the shape of developing roots. Enrich the soil with compost but avoid excessive nitrogen, which can cause forking.
Sow seeds directly into the soil about 1/4 inch deep and space them roughly one inch apart in rows. Carrot seeds are tiny and slow to germinate, often taking up to three weeks to sprout, so patience and consistent moisture are key. Water gently but regularly to keep the topsoil evenly moist throughout germination.
As the seedlings grow, thin them carefully to ensure each plant has room to develop straight, full roots—this is critical for achieving uniform size and avoiding overcrowding. Carrots love full sun but will tolerate light shade, especially in warmer climates. Their sweet flavor and crisp texture improve in cooler conditions, making April the perfect time to start them in most Canadian regions.
Carrots are a cool-season root crop that perform best in light, loose, and well-drained soil
2. Cucumber ‘Spacemaster 80’
Cucumber ‘Spacemaster 80’ is a compact, bush-type variety well-suited for small garden beds and container growing. To prepare for planting, amend your soil or container mix with generous amounts of compost to improve drainage and fertility. Cucumbers thrive in warmth, so wait until the soil temperature reaches at least 16°C before direct sowing outdoors.
Plant seeds about 1/2 inch deep and space each plant approximately 12 inches apart. In colder regions, starting seeds indoors under grow lights 3–4 weeks before the last frost can give you a head start. Transplant carefully to avoid root disturbance once outdoor conditions are favorable.
These vines remain relatively compact but benefit from vertical support. A small trellis, cage, or even a tomato spiral can help maximize airflow, reduce disease risk, and save ground space. With regular watering and full sun, ‘Spacemaster 80’ will produce crisp, flavorful cucumbers perfect for slicing or pickling.
Cucumbers thrive in warmth, so wait until the soil temperature reaches at least 16°C before direct sowing outdoors.
3. Chili Pepper ‘Lemon Drop’
The ‘Lemon Drop’ chili pepper, also known as ‘Aji Limón,’ is a vibrant heirloom variety from Peru prized for its citrusy heat and bright yellow fruits. Start seeds indoors in early April, ideally 8–10 weeks before your region’s last frost date. Use a seed-starting tray filled with a well-draining mix and place the tray on a heat mat to maintain a consistent soil temperature around 21°C, which is crucial for optimal germination.
Sow seeds approximately 1/4 inch deep, and keep the growing medium moist but not soggy. Provide plenty of light from a sunny window or a grow light setup. Seedlings typically emerge within 10–14 days. Once they develop 3–4 sets of true leaves and nighttime outdoor temperatures remain consistently above 10°C, begin hardening off the plants by gradually introducing them to outdoor conditions over the course of a week.
Transplant into large containers or well-prepared garden beds in full sun. Choose a spot with rich, fertile soil that drains well. These compact plants reach about 20–24 inches tall and produce an abundance of thin-walled, lemon-hued peppers that can be used fresh, dried, or preserved. While slow to mature (about 100 days to harvest), ‘Lemon Drop’ rewards patient growers with unique flavor, ornamental beauty, and reliable heat throughout the late summer.
Start seeds indoors in early April, ideally 8–10 weeks before your region’s last frost date.
4. Sweet Corn ‘Martian Jewels’
Sweet corn is a quintessential summer crop, and ‘Martian Jewels’ brings a unique twist with its vibrant purple husks and pearly white kernels. To prepare your growing space, choose a sunny, open location with nutrient-rich, well-drained soil. Before planting, amend the area with aged compost or well-rotted manure to boost fertility and support strong root development.
Direct sow corn seeds once the soil temperature has reached at least 16°C, typically a week or two after the last expected frost. Plant the seeds 1 inch deep in small clusters or blocks rather than single rows. This planting method significantly improves pollination, which is key to producing full, well-formed ears. Space individual seeds 8–12 inches apart within the clusters.
Corn requires consistent watering throughout the growing season, especially during dry or hot weather, to ensure uniform ear development. Applying a layer of mulch can help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. For a steady supply, stagger your sowing by planting new blocks every two weeks. With the right care, ‘Martian Jewels’ will reward you with visually stunning, sweet ears of corn that are delicious both fresh and cooked.
Sweet corn is a quintessential summer crop, and ‘Martian Jewels’ brings a unique twist with its vibrant purple husks and pearly white kernels
5. Bush Bean ‘Maxibel Filet’
Bush beans are one of the easiest and most rewarding warm-season crops you can grow—especially for beginner gardeners in Canada. These compact plants don’t require staking, grow quickly, and produce abundantly throughout the summer when harvested regularly.
To get the best results, direct sow your bush bean seeds straight into the garden once the soil has warmed to at least 16°C (60°F)—usually around late May to early June in most parts of Canada, including Vancouver. Unlike some vegetables, bush beans don’t like being transplanted. Their roots are sensitive to disturbance, so planting them directly into the soil is key to strong, healthy growth.
Choose a spot in full sun and prepare your soil well in advance. Beans thrive in fertile, well-draining soil, so work in some compost or worm castings beforehand to boost nutrient levels naturally. Sow the seeds 1 inch deep and about 2 inches apart in rows. Once the seedlings emerge, thin them slightly to allow for better airflow and development.
As the plants mature, you’ll want to harvest regularly—ideally every 2–3 days once the pods begin to develop. This encourages the plant to keep producing more pods throughout the season, giving you a continual supply of tender, crisp beans for weeks.
With just a little sun, warmth, and care, bush beans will reward you with a steady stream of delicious, homegrown goodness—perfect for salads, stir-fries, or fresh off the vine.
To get the best results, direct sow your bush bean seeds straight into the garden once the soil has warmed to at least 16°C (60°F)—usually around late May to early June in most parts of Canada, including Vancouver.
6. Ground Cherry ‘Pineapple’
Ground cherries—sometimes called husk cherries or cape gooseberries—are a sweet, slightly tropical-tasting fruit that grows beautifully in Canadian gardens when started right. These small, low-growing plants are part of the nightshade family, just like tomatoes, but they’re much easier to manage and incredibly rewarding for gardeners of all levels.
To get a head start on the season, start ground cherry seeds indoors about 4–6 weeks before your region’s last expected frost date. In Vancouver, that usually means starting them in late March or early April. Use a rich, well-draining potting mix in seed trays or small pots, and place them in a warm, sunny windowsill or under grow lights to encourage strong early growth.
Once seedlings have developed several sets of true leaves and the outdoor soil has warmed, it’s safe to transplant them into your garden or containers. Ground cherries are sensitive to cold, so wait until all danger of frost has completely passed before moving them outside.
These plants are wonderfully low-maintenance. They don’t require staking or trellising, and they tend to sprawl naturally along the ground. You’ll know the fruit is ready to eat when the papery husk turns light brown and the small golden fruits drop to the ground—hence the name!
To keep your harvest clean and make fruit gathering easier, spread a layer of mulch around the base of the plant. Mulch helps protect the ripening fruit from soil contact, deters pests, and helps retain moisture through warm summer days.
Once you taste your first sun-ripened ground cherry—sweet, tangy, and bursting with flavor—you’ll understand why they’re such a beloved crop among home gardeners. Plus, they store well in their husks for several weeks, making them great for snacking, jams, or tossing into summer salads.
To get a head start on the season, start ground cherry seeds indoors about 4–6 weeks before your region’s last expected frost date. In Vancouver, that usually means starting them in late March or early April.
7. Tomato ‘Chocolate Cherry’
Tomatoes are the crown jewel of the summer garden—and for good reason. Nothing compares to the flavor of a sun-warmed, homegrown tomato straight off the vine. But to get the best results in Canada’s short growing season, timing and technique matter.
Start your tomato seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your area’s final frost date—in Vancouver, that’s usually around late February to mid-March. Use a seed-starting tray with a quality mix, and place it on a heat mat to maintain a consistent soil temperature of around 21°C (70°F). Tomatoes love warmth, and a little bottom heat makes all the difference in getting strong, healthy sprouts.
Once your seedlings have grown sturdy stems and at least 4–6 true leaves, it’s time to begin hardening them off. Gradually expose them to outdoor conditions over the course of 7–10 days. This step is crucial—it prepares your plants for life outside and reduces transplant shock.
Transplant your hardened-off seedlings into rich, well-draining soil in full sun—ideally in a garden bed or large container with plenty of space. Tomatoes are heavy feeders, so we recommend amending the soil with compost, worm castings, or organic tomato fertilizer from DH Garden Centre before planting.
To support healthy growth and fruit development, be sure to stake or cage your tomato plants early, right at the time of transplanting. This helps avoid damaging the roots later and keeps your vines off the ground, improving air circulation and reducing disease risk.
As your tomatoes grow, practice light pruning by removing the small “suckers” that form in the joints between the main stem and side branches. This not only improves airflow but directs more energy into fruit production, giving you a bigger and better harvest.
For best results, harvest tomatoes just before they reach full ripeness—especially if you’re battling hungry birds or unpredictable rain. Let them finish ripening indoors on a sunny windowsill to avoid cracking or pest damage.
With a little planning and care, you’ll enjoy baskets full of juicy, flavorful tomatoes all summer long—and nothing beats that feeling.
Start your tomato seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your area’s final frost date—in Vancouver, that’s usually around late February to mid-March
Pro Tips from Darrell at DH Garden Centre:
- Always check your zone’s average last frost date.
- Use raised beds with good compost and worm castings for an early start.
- Invest in row covers for extra warmth and protection in early April.
- Visit your local garden centre for zone-appropriate seedling starters.
Remember, gardening isn’t just about the harvest—it’s about the process. Watching your garden come to life each spring is one of the purest joys there is. And at DH Garden Centre, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Come visit us at 3742 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver or browse our collection online at dhgardencentre.com.
Let’s grow together.
