As spring arrives in Minnesota, eager gardeners can start planting cool-season vegetables outdoors. Despite our short growing season, there are many options for early crops that thrive in our zone’s climate. Read this article to learn what vegetables can be planted in April along with some tips to make sure the planting is successful.

Cool-Season Vegetables

In mid to late April, you can plant these hardy vegetables:

• Potatoes

• Onions

• Beets

• Carrots

• Leaf lettuce

• Spinach

• Peas

• Radishes

• Kohlrabi

• Turnips

These crops can withstand cooler temperatures and even light frosts. For best results, wait until the soil is workable and not overly wet to prevent compaction.

Indigenous Crops

Consider adding these native plants to your garden:

• Wild leeks (ramps)

• Jerusalem artichokes

• Groundnuts

These indigenous vegetables are well-adapted to Minnesota's climate and offer unique flavors and nutritional benefits.

To prepare your soil for planting vegetables in early April in Minnesota

1. Wait until the soil is workable. Test by squeezing a handful - if it crumbles rather than forming a ball, it's ready.

2. Clean up winter debris from garden beds once the ground has thawed.

3. Add 2 inches of compost or organic matter and work it into the top 6 inches of soil. This improves soil structure, adds nutrients, and increases water retention.

4. For heavy clay soil, consider adding some sand to improve drainage.

5. Test your soil pH and nutrient levels. Amend as needed based on test results.

6. Loosen compacted soil using a broadfork or garden fork, being careful not to disturb soil structure.

7. For cool-season crops like lettuce and peas, apply a light organic fertilizer to the top few inches of soil.

8. Use raised beds or cold frames to warm the soil more quickly for earlier planting.

9. Avoid overworking wet soil, as this can damage its structure. Wait for several days of temperatures in the 50s before thorough preparation.

Gardening Tips for April in Minnesota

1. Watch the weather: April can be unpredictable, so be prepared to protect plants from late frosts.

2. Prepare the soil: Once the ground has thawed and dried sufficiently, add compost or organic matter to improve soil structure.

3. Start seeds indoors: For crops like broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower, start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before transplanting outside.

4. Use season extenders: Cold frames or hoop houses can help protect early plantings and extend your growing season.

5. Clean up carefully: Remove winter debris slowly to protect overwintering pollinators. Wait for several days of temperatures in the 50s before thorough cleanup.

By following these tips and choosing the right crops, Minnesota gardeners can get a head start on the growing season and enjoy fresh, homegrown produce earlier in the year.

References:

1. https://www.thompsonfamilyfarmmn.com/blog/2021/04/what-veggies-can-i-plant-in-april-in.html

2. https://atthefarmwaconia.com/plants-and-planters/gardening-advice/cold-crops/

3. https://extension.umn.edu/news/spring-yard-and-garden-preparation

4. https://northerngardener.org/april-garden-chores-a-careful-dance/

5. https://www.ramseymastergardeners.org/post/cold-hardy-vegetables-and-flowers-for-minnesota-s-short-spring

6. https://www.jimwhitingnursery.com/garden-advice/spring-planting-tips-for-minnesota/

7. https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/spring-gardening-dos-and-donts-from-the-minnesota-landscape-arboretum/

8. https://malmborgsinc.com/blog/minnesota-gardening-guide-april/

9. https://extension.umn.edu/vegetables/growing-staple-vegetables-around-world-minnesota

10. https://www.reddit.com/r/minnesota/comments/ua91q3/gardening_tips/

    
    

    Photo credit: Itoldya test 1-getarchive (all creative commons) (1), University of Minnesota Extension (2), Susan Maher, University of Wisconsin-Madison (3)