🌱 What to Plant
in April
April is one of the busiest months in the garden. Sow vegetables, plant seedlings and prepare beds for the main season. Watch out for night frosts — young seedlings still need protection. Fruit trees are in blossom and the garden is coming alive.
Night frosts — still a risk in April
Do not plant frost-sensitive crops (tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, courgettes, basil) outside until after May 15. In April, harden off seedlings gradually but keep them inside at night until the Ice Saints have passed.
🌱 Start indoors / Pre-grow seedlings
April is the last chance to start courgettes, pumpkins and cucumbers indoors before outdoor planting time in May.
Pre-grow seedlings
If March-started tomatoes are growing well, pot up into larger containers. Begin hardening off during the day in warm spells.
Pre-grow in warmth
Start cucumbers in individual pots at 20–22°C. They grow quickly. Ready to plant outside after May 15.
Pre-grow in a pot
Sow one seed per pot, pushing in on its side. Germinates in 3–5 days at 20°C. Do not start too early — courgettes grow fast.
Pre-grow in a pot
Start in individual pots in late April. Pumpkins grow very large — give each plant at least 2 m² of space when planting out.
Pre-grow in a pot
Start in individual pots or sow direct outdoors from mid-April. Sunflowers resent root disturbance — handle gently when transplanting.
Pre-grow tubers in a pot
Start dahlia tubers in pots indoors in April. They will be shooting nicely when it is time to plant outside after May 15.
🌿 Plant outdoors
Hardy vegetables, fruit and ornamental plants can go out in April. Keep frost-sensitive plants inside until after May 15.
Plant outdoors — tolerates cold
Transplant April-hardened seedlings outside. Space 25–30 cm apart. Protect with fleece if frost is forecast.
Plant in rows, 30 cm deep
Plant chitted seed potatoes in April, 30 cm apart and 12 cm deep. Earth up as shoots emerge to protect from frost and increase yield.
Direct sow outdoors
Sow clusters of 3–4 seeds, 20 cm apart. Thin to the strongest seedling once established. Sow successionally for a long harvest.
Plant outdoors — tolerates cold
Transplant indoors-started seedlings outside. Space 25 cm apart. Fast-growing — ready in 6–8 weeks.
Direct sow — second batch
Sow a second batch every 2–3 weeks for a succession of harvests. Erect support structures before sowing.
Ideal planting time
April is ideal for planting bare-root and container roses, lavender, thujas, boxwood and rhododendrons. Water in well after planting.
🧺 First harvest in April
The first harvest of the year. Cut chives 3–4 cm above soil level — they will regrow within weeks.
💡 April gardening tips
- ✓Plant potatoes, onions and garlic
- ✓Harden off indoor seedlings — put them outside in a sheltered spot during the day
- ✓Mulch beds to suppress weeds and retain moisture
- ✓Check fruit trees — treat against pests as blossom opens
⚠️ Common April mistakes
- ✗Planting frost-sensitive crops (tomatoes, peppers) outside before the Ice Saints (May 15)
- ✗Not hardening off seedlings before final planting outside
- ✗Removing mulch from beds too early — night frosts still threaten in April
Frequently asked questions
When should I plant potatoes in Czech Republic? ▼
Plant potatoes in April in Czech Republic, typically from mid-April when soil has warmed to at least 8°C. Earth up (hill) the soil over emerging shoots to protect against late frosts. Chit (pre-sprout) seed potatoes on a windowsill from February for best results.
How do I harden off tomato seedlings? ▼
Start hardening off tomato seedlings in April by placing them outside in a sheltered shaded spot during the day and bringing them back inside at night. Gradually increase exposure over 7–10 days. This toughens stems and leaf cuticles so plants are not shocked when planted out after May 15.
Can I plant courgettes in April in Czech Republic? ▼
Start courgettes (zucchini) indoors in April — do not plant them outside until after May 15 as they are frost-sensitive. Sow one seed per 9 cm pot and keep warm (18–20°C). They grow quickly and will be stocky plants ready for outdoor planting after the Ice Saints.
What should I watch out for in April? ▼
April is one of the busiest months but also the trickiest. Night frosts remain a risk throughout April in Czech Republic. Do not plant frost-sensitive crops outside — wait until after May 15. Harden off indoor seedlings gradually. Watch for pests on fruit trees as blossom opens.
Keep track of your April plantings
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