What to Plant in an Allotment in April
- dorsetcountrylife
- Apr 2
- 5 min read
April is a crucial month for allotment gardeners as spring truly begins to take hold. The days get longer, the weather warms, and the soil becomes workable. It's the perfect time to get your hands dirty and start sowing seeds, planting, and preparing your allotment for a fruitful growing season. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, knowing what to plant in April can make a significant difference in your harvest. Here's our guide to help you make the most of this exciting month in the garden.
1. Potatoes
April is one of the best months to plant potatoes. The soil temperature should be around 7°C or higher, which is typically the case by mid to late April. You can plant your chitted seed potatoes in rows or in trenches, alternatively you can like me use potato sacks. I find this a useful way to grow a few potato's as I have limited space. Early varieties such as ‘Rocket’ and ‘Charlotte’ can go in first, followed by maincrop varieties like ‘King Edward’ or ‘Desiree’ later in the month. Remember to earth them up as they grow to protect the tubers from sunlight and encourage a better yield.
2. Onions & Shallots
Onions and shallots can be planted in April. If you’re using sets, these can be planted directly into the ground, spaced around 15-20cm apart. I like to cover my newly planted onion set with fleece. This will stop the birds tugging them out of the ground and gives them a bit of a head start. The warm soil will encourage these bulbs to start rooting and growing, and you’ll be rewarded with an early summer harvest. If you're growing onions from seeds, it’s a good idea to start them indoors or in a greenhouse in April, then transplant them outside later in the month.
3. Carrots
Carrots are a great crop to sow in April. For an early harvest, consider varieties like ‘Early Nantes’ or ‘Chantenay Red Cored’. Carrots prefer well-drained, sandy soil, so prepare your soil by removing any stones and clumps. Sow the seeds directly in the ground in drills about 1.5cm deep, spaced 15-30cm apart. Keep the soil moist and thin out the seedlings as they grow to give them room to develop. Carrot fly can be a real problem when growing carrots. So growing them in a raised bed can be helpful to keep them away. Carrot fly can only fly about 50cm high so either a raised bed or fine netting can keep them at bay.
4. Peas
If you haven't started your peas inside its not to late, as April is the time to direct sow. Make sure the soil has warmed up enough for them to germinate. Varieties like ‘Early Onward’ and ‘Kelvedon Wonder’ are perfect for an early crop. You can also sow Sugar Snap Peas and Mangetout in April.
You can sow directly into the soil or start them indoors to give them a bit of a head start. Make sure you provide some form of support, such as pea netting, as they grow tall. Peas prefer cooler conditions, so April's mild temperatures are ideal.
5. Spinach and Salad Leaves
If you’re looking for a quick-growing crop, spinach and salad leaves are perfect for April. You can sow these seeds directly into the ground. Varieties like ‘Winter Bloomsdale’ spinach and mixed salad leaves (such as rocket, lettuce, and mizuna) thrive in the cooler spring weather. These leafy greens can be harvested as baby leaves or left to grow larger for a more mature crop. Regular sowing every few weeks will give you a continuous supply throughout the growing season.
6. Broad Beans
Broad beans are another crop that should be planted in April. They can tolerate a little bit of frost, so they’re perfect for early sowing. Plant them 5cm deep, spaced about 20cm apart, and water them regularly. If you're in an area prone to late frosts, consider using fleece to protect young plants. Broad beans are also great for enriching the soil with nitrogen, making them a useful crop in a rotation plan.
7. Cabbage & Kale
Spring is a great time to sow cabbage and kale seeds indoors or in a greenhouse. These hardy brassicas can be transplanted outdoors in late April once the weather is milder. Varieties like ‘Cabbage January King’ or ‘Winterbor’ kale are perfect for UK allotments, as they’ll continue growing well into the colder months. They will need space to grow, so ensure they are planted 30-45cm apart.
8. Tomatoes (Indoors)
While April may be a bit too early to plant tomatoes directly outside, it's the perfect time to start them indoors. Sow seeds in a heated propagator or on a sunny windowsill. Varieties like ‘Gardener’s Delight’, Money Maker or ‘Shirley’ can be started now, and once they have grown strong enough, you can transplant them outside after the last frost, typically in late May or early June. In the meantime, keep them under cover in a greenhouse or on a sunny windowsill.
9. Herbs
April is a great time to plant herbs, whether in containers, raised beds, or directly in the ground. Parsley, chives, coriander, and mint all thrive in the spring months. They’re perfect for adding a burst of flavour to your meals as they grow. You can sow herb seeds indoors in small pots and transplant them outdoors later in the month, or sow them directly into your allotment soil.
10. Beetroot
Beetroot can be sown directly in April, and they grow quickly, making them a great choice for an allotment crop. Choose early varieties like ‘Boltardy’ for a quick harvest. Beetroot prefers well-drained soil, so make sure the area is prepared in advance. You can space the seeds around 5cm apart in rows and thin them out as the seedlings grow.Or alternatively plant them in groups. I do this as it is space saving and they grow well like this. Put 3-4 seeds in each hole and as they grow they make their own space and you can just twist out individual beetroot when harvesting. You can harvest beets early for baby-sized roots or leave them to grow larger.
Preparing the Soil
Before planting, make sure your soil is well-prepared. April is a great time to add compost, well-rotted manure, or organic matter to improve soil structure and fertility. If your allotment soil is heavy or clay-like, consider digging in some sand or grit to improve drainage.
April is an exciting time for allotment gardening. The growing season kicks off in earnest, and with careful planning, you can have a bountiful harvest throughout the year. From potatoes and onions to peas, carrots, and salad greens, there’s no shortage of crops to plant. Just be sure to monitor the weather and be prepared to protect your tender crops from any unexpected late frosts.
By taking advantage of the longer daylight hours and warmer soil, you'll set the stage for a productive and rewarding growing season. Happy planting!
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