As spring begins to bloom, April is the perfect time to kickstart your gardening season by sowing seeds that will flourish in the warmer months ahead. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, getting a head start with seed starting ideas can make all the difference in achieving a thriving garden—especially if you are living in a colder climate.
By starting your seeds indoors now, you’ll give your plants a strong foundation, and speed up their harvest time. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through a seed starting schedule for April, offering tips on which seeds to start indoors and how to prepare for a bountiful harvest. Get ready to transform your garden with these simple yet effective seed starting ideas from the team at Indoor Plant Care.
*For reference, we are planting in zone 6a, and we just had a huge snow storm, so we can’t plan outdoors quite yet!
1. Tomatoes
- Sprout Time: 5-10 days
- Transplant Outdoors: 6-8 weeks after sowing, once the soil temperature reaches 60°F (typically mid-to-late May)
- Seed Starting Ideas: Tomatoes love warmth, so be sure to keep them in a sunny spot or under grow lights. Starting indoors in April gives them a head start before the growing season begins.
2. Peppers
- Sprout Time: 7-14 days
- Transplant Outdoors: 8-10 weeks after sowing, once all danger of frost has passed (late May to early June)
- Seed Starting Schedule: Peppers need a long growing season, so starting them indoors in April is a must for a successful harvest later in the year.
3. Basil
- Sprout Time: 5-10 days
- Transplant Outdoors: 6-8 weeks after sowing, once the danger of frost has passed (mid-to-late May)
- Seed Starting Ideas: Start basil indoors in April for a quick and easy herb harvest. It thrives in warm weather, and starting early gives it time to grow strong and robust.
4. Lettuce
- Sprout Time: 7-14 days
- Transplant Outdoors: 3-4 weeks after sowing, once the soil is workable and temperatures stay consistently above 50°F (late April to early May)
- Seed Starting Schedule: Lettuce is a cool-weather crop, so starting it indoors in April gives you an early harvest once it’s ready to transplant.
5. Cucumbers
- Sprout Time: 7-10 days
- Transplant Outdoors: 3-4 weeks after sowing, once the soil is consistently warm (mid-to-late May)
- Seed Starting Ideas: Cucumbers are sensitive to cold, so starting them indoors in April ensures they will be strong enough to thrive once transplanted.
6. Spinach
- Sprout Time: 7-14 days
- Transplant Outdoors: 3-4 weeks after sowing, as soon as the soil is workable (mid-to-late April)
- Seed Starting Schedule: Spinach is another cool-season crop that benefits from an early start. By starting it indoors in April, you can transplant it into your garden early for an early harvest.
7. Chives
- Sprout Time: 10-14 days
- Transplant Outdoors: 6-8 weeks after sowing, once the threat of frost has passed (late May to early June)
- Seed Starting Ideas: Chives are a hardy herb that will thrive in your garden once the weather warms up. Starting indoors in April gives them time to grow into strong plants.
8. Cauliflower
- Sprout Time: 7-10 days
- Transplant Outdoors: 4-6 weeks after sowing, once temperatures are consistently above 50°F (early May)
- Seed Starting Schedule: Cauliflower needs a cool season to grow, and starting indoors in April allows for an early transplant once the weather warms.
9. Brussels Sprouts
- Sprout Time: 10-21 days
- Transplant Outdoors: 6-8 weeks after sowing, when the soil has warmed (late May to early June)
- Seed Starting Ideas: Brussels sprouts take a long time to mature, so starting indoors in April helps ensure they are ready for your summer garden.
10. Kale
- Sprout Time: 7-10 days
- Transplant Outdoors: 4-6 weeks after sowing, when temperatures are consistently above 50°F (mid-to-late May)
- Seed Starting Schedule: Kale is a hardy leafy green that grows well in cooler temperatures. Starting it indoors in April will allow you to transplant it early and enjoy fresh greens throughout the summer.
Seed Starting Setup Ideas
1. Egg Cartons
- Why Use Them: Egg cartons are a popular choice for seed starting because they are inexpensive, easily accessible, and biodegradable. They’re perfect for starting smaller seeds like herbs and leafy greens.
- Best For: Small seeds like basil, lettuce, and parsley.
- Tip: Make sure to poke drainage holes in the bottom to prevent overwatering. Once the seedlings are ready to transplant, you can plant the entire carton in the ground.
2. Plastic Seed Starting Trays
- Why Use Them: These trays are widely available and designed specifically for starting seeds. They often come with a clear lid to create a mini greenhouse effect, helping to retain moisture and warmth.
- Best For: Tomatoes, peppers, and larger seedlings.
- Tip: Opt for trays with drainage holes at the bottom, and place a shallow tray underneath to catch excess water.
3. Peat Pellets
- Why Use Them: Peat pellets are small, compressed disks that expand when soaked in water, forming a mini pot for each seed. They’re biodegradable and great for easy transplanting without disturbing the roots.
- Best For: Larger seeds like tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers.
- Tip: Use a tray or shallow container to hold the expanded pellets, and keep them consistently moist until the seeds germinate.
4. Toilet Paper Rolls
- Why Use Them: Toilet paper rolls are an eco-friendly alternative to plastic pots and are perfect for larger seedlings. Once the seedlings are ready to be transplanted, you can plant the entire roll, which will break down over time.
- Best For: Larger seeds like tomatoes, squash, and beans.
- Tip: Cut the rolls in half if they’re too long, and fold the bottom to make a base. Place them in a shallow tray and fill with soil.
5. DIY Paper Pots
- Why Use Them: You can make your own biodegradable pots by rolling newspaper into a cylinder and securing it with tape or staples. These are an affordable, eco-friendly option for starting seeds.
- Best For: A variety of seeds, especially herbs, vegetables, and flowers.
- Tip: Use a small, sturdy container or a drinking glass to form the pot. These pots can be directly planted into the garden, so you don’t have to disturb the roots during transplantation.
6. Plastic Cups
- Why Use Them: Clear plastic cups are an excellent choice for seed starting because they are easy to find, inexpensive, and reusable. You can also monitor root growth through the transparent sides.
- Best For: Larger seeds like peppers, cucumbers, and melons.
- Tip: Poke a few drainage holes in the bottom, and use a tray underneath to catch any excess water. Make sure to label the cups with the type of seed for easy identification.
7. Plastic Food Containers
- Why Use Them: Repurposed plastic food containers (like yogurt cups or takeout containers) make great seed starting pots. They are usually sturdy, and you can use the lid to cover the container for a mini greenhouse effect.
- Best For: A variety of seedlings, from herbs to vegetables.
- Tip: Poke holes in the bottom for drainage, and make sure to remove the lid once the seeds sprout to allow for air circulation.
8. Wooden Flats or Crates
- Why Use Them: Wooden flats or crates can be used to start multiple seeds at once, making them a great option for gardeners who want to maximize space. They also provide good airflow around the seedlings.
- Best For: A wide range of seeds, especially those that need to be spaced closely together like lettuce and radishes.
- Tip: Line the bottom with newspaper or a biodegradable liner for easier cleanup and better drainage.
9. Silicone Seed Trays
- Why Use Them: Silicone trays are flexible, durable, and non-stick, making it easier to remove seedlings once they’re ready to be transplanted. These trays are also great for starting seeds that will be in the same spot for a while.
- Best For: Herbs, flowers, and small vegetables like kale and spinach.
- Tip: Look for trays with deep cells to allow the roots to develop properly before transplanting.
10. Old Milk Cartons or Juice Boxes
- Why Use Them: These containers are free, easy to cut, and have great drainage potential when properly prepared. They are also large enough to accommodate more substantial root systems.
- Best For: Larger seedlings like tomatoes, peppers, and even cucumbers.
- Tip: Cut the top off and use the bottom for starting your seeds. Don’t forget to make drainage holes, and place the cartons on a tray to catch excess water.
11. Biodegradable Cow Pots
- Why Use Them: These pots are made from composted cow manure and are 100% biodegradable. They provide good aeration and are perfect for gardeners looking for eco-friendly options.
- Best For: A wide variety of seeds, from flowers to veggies.
- Tip: These pots can be placed directly in the ground, making them ideal for gardeners who want to reduce transplant shock.
