April · Mid-spring
What to sow in April in Nashville
65 crops are in their window this month in Nashville — timed to your local frost dates.
Last frost≈ 22 Apr
First frost≈ 18 Oct
Frost-free daysFrom 22 Apr
April averages47°–72°F
Vegetables
47 in season
Artichoke
Start indoors · seedlings need a cold snap to set buds in year one
Arugula
Direct sow · sow every 2-3 weeks for a steady peppery harvest
Asparagus
Plant crowns · resist harvesting until the second or third spring
Beets
Direct sow · soak seed clusters overnight to speed germination
Bitter Melon
Start indoors · harvest young and green — riper fruit turns bitter
Herbs
16 in season
Basil
Start indoors · loves heat, don't rush it outside before frost
Chives
Start indoors · perennial clumps, snip leaves for repeat harvests
Cilantro
Direct sow · bolts fast in heat, sow small batches often
Dill
Direct sow · taproot resents transplanting, sow direct
Epazote
Direct sow · cut flower heads early or it self-seeds everywhere
Fruit
2 in season
Blueberries
Plant bushes · needs acidic soil and a second variety to pollinate
Strawberries
Plant runners · pinch off first-year flowers for stronger plants