.jpg)
What to grow from April to June
We’ve finally entered spring! The days are getting longer, temperatures are rising, and the first warm sunshine and clear skies are becoming more frequent. In this article, we’ll guide you month by month from April to June with one or two examples on what to grow at home, both indoors and outdoors.
For advice on methods and environments for growing, check out this guide, and for tips on sowing indoors in module trays, see this guide.
APRIL: Starting Tomatoes and Peas Indoors
Indoors
Tomatoes
Tomatoes need a lot of warmth and time to grow, so if you haven’t already sown some in January/February, sow fast growing tomato seeds indoors in a propagator to give them a strong head start before moving them outdoors in late May or early June (after the last frost). Varieties include: Sungold F1 Cherry Tomatoes and Sub Arctic Plenty.
Tip: Once the seedlings develop true leaves, transplant them from modules into larger pots to allow their roots to expand.
Peas
Similarly to tomatoes, peas should also be sown no later than early spring, in late March or early April. Varieties: Sugar Snap Peas, Sweet Peas and Sweet Pea ‘Bijou Mix’.
Tip: Sow one seed per cell in your propagator tray and as soon as the seedlings have developed two sets of true leaves, pot them on in larger pots. Since legumes are climbing plants, they require a support structure, like bamboo canes
Outdoors
Bok Choy
A quick-growing crop, bok choy thrives in cool, damp conditions and shade, making it perfect if you don’t have a full-sun location. It is sensitive to bolting (flowering early) in warm temperatures so early spring or late summer are ideal for growing it. Varieties: Dwarf White and Red Wizard
Tip: Sow bok choy seeds directly into the soil at the beginning of April and continue sowing every 3 to 4 weeks for a continuous harvest.
MAY: Moving Crops Outdoors & Sowing Beans
Indoors
Spinach
Leafy greens like spinach and lettuce are quick to grow, have shallow roots and do not need too much space, making them ideal for small urban spaces and even large pots. They are also a fantastic source of nutrients. Variety: Bloomsdale Longstanding
Tip: Use a container 2-4 inches deep. Sow seeds in small pots, maintaining them in moist, well-drained soil. Keep the pots in a warm location until they emerge, and then move them to a spot with indirect light, such as a windowsill.
Outdoors
Beans (French & Runner Beans)
As temperatures rise, French beans and runner beans can be directly sown into outdoor beds. French beans should be sown when the soil temperature is consistently above 10°C (50°F), usually from mid-May onwards. Runner beans require a bit more warmth and should be sown outdoors after the last frost, so late May. French beans should be sown in rows 50 cm apart, with 18 cm between each seed in a row. Tip: Similarly to peas, beans will need a supporting structure to climb on during their growth.
JUNE: Planting the Last Tender Crops & Sowing for Autumn Harvests
Indoors
Basil & Coriander
June is a great time to start herbs indoors. Basil and coriander grow well in small pots on a sunny windowsill, requiring about 6–8 hours of sunlight daily. These herbs add fresh flavours to your cooking and can be harvested continuously throughout the season. Basil loves warmth and is best suited for indoor growing in the UK until mid-summer.
Tip: To harvest basil and encourage healthy growth and a continuous supply, pinch off the tips of stems above a pair of leaves, rather than just picking individual leaves, and do this from the top of the plant. To harvest coriander leaves, use sharp scissors to cut the outer, mature stems, leaving the tender inner stems for continued growth. Harvest regularly to encourage more leaf growth and prevent bolting (flowering), which makes the leaves bitter.
Outdoors
Lettuce
June is ideal for continuing to sow leafy greens such as lettuce. It thrives in partially shady spots with a maximum of 4–6 hours of sunlight per day. Excessive heat can cause greens to turn bitter, so providing some shade can be beneficial. Varieties: Little Gem and Salad Bowl (red and green).
Tip: To harvest lettuce and encourage continued growth, use the "cut and come again" method: snip outer leaves with scissors, leaving the central crown intact, or simply cut the entire head just above the soil for a single harvest.
Carrots
Fast-growing root vegetables like carrots can be sown directly into garden beds or deep containers. For best results, keep the soil moist and free of weeds.
Tip: prepare loose, well-drained soil, sow seeds thinly in drills, and ensure consistent moisture, especially during germination.
Conclusion
Growing food from April to June is as simple as timing your tasks well; sowing at the right times and planting outdoors when the temperatures reach suitable levels.
Happy Growing!
Comments