Vegetables to Start in March/April for Zone 6
Wondering what vegetables to start in March/April for Zone 6? As spring arrives, it’s the perfect time to begin planting cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach, peas, and radishes. Whether you’re starting seeds indoors or sowing directly in the garden, these early-season veggies will give you a head start on a bountiful harvest. Let’s dive into the best vegetables to plant now for a thriving Zone 6 garden!
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Cool-Season Vegetables to Direct Sow in March/April
Many cool-season vegetables thrive in the cooler temperatures of early spring and can be sown directly into the garden as soon as the soil is workable. March/April are the perfect months to direct sow these vegetables:
- Peas – Snap, shelling, and snow peas can all be planted in March, as they thrive in cool temperatures.
- Spinach – This leafy green grows best in cool weather and can be harvested multiple times.
- Radishes – Fast-growing and hardy, radishes are a great early-season crop.
- Carrots – Sow carrot seeds directly in well-prepared soil for a spring harvest.
- Lettuce & Other Greens – Varieties such as romaine, leaf lettuce, and mustard greens do well in early spring.
- Beets – Another root vegetable that tolerates cold and grows well when planted early.
- Turnips – Both the greens and roots are edible and grow quickly in cool weather.
- Kale & Swiss Chard – These hardy greens are frost-resistant and can be planted early in the season.
Vegetables to Start Indoors in March/April
For vegetables that require a longer growing season, starting seeds indoors in March and April ensures they will be ready for transplanting when the weather warms up.
- Peppers – Both sweet and hot peppers take a while to mature, so starting them indoors is ideal.
- Broccoli – A cool-season crop that can be transplanted in early spring.
- Cauliflower – Like broccoli, cauliflower should be started indoors before being moved outside.
- Cabbage – Starting cabbage indoors allows it to mature before summer heat sets in.
- Eggplant – This warm-season vegetable benefits from an early indoor start.
- Herbs – Many herbs, such as basil, parsley, and thyme, can be started indoors and moved outside later.
- Tomatoes -Tomatoes grow quickly, so starting them in April is perfect for them to be ready to go outside after last frosts.
Tips for Successful Early Planting
- Soil Preparation: Make sure your soil is well-drained and enriched with compost before direct sowing.
- Protection from Frost: Be prepared to use row covers or cloches to protect young plants from unexpected frosts.
- Harden Off Seedlings: When transplanting indoor-started vegetables, gradually expose them to outdoor conditions before moving them permanently.
- Mulching: Adding a layer of mulch can help retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.
Create an Indoor Seed Starting System
Easily create the perfect indoor seed starting system with a wire shelving unit and shop lights. In my blog; How To Set Up A Low-Cost Seed Starting System, I discuss exactly what you need to get those early spring plants started without breaking the budget (HINT: You don’t need fancy grow lights!).
Where I Buy Seeds
Here is a list of where I buy my seeds. I have always had good luck with them:
By starting the right vegetables in March/April, Zone 6 gardeners can enjoy an extended growing season and an abundant harvest. With a little planning and preparation, your garden will be off to a strong start before the warm weather fully arrives.
