The Top 5 Vegetables to Start From Seed in April in Toronto's Planting Zone 6

 

If you live in Toronto and are looking to start a vegetable garden, April is the perfect time to start planting seeds. In this blog post, we will be discussing some of the best vegetables to start from seed in April for planting zone 6.

Planting Zone 6 is characterized by cold winters and warm summers, with an average minimum temperature range of -23.3 to -17.8 degrees Celsius (-10 to 0 degrees Fahrenheit) in winter and an average maximum temperature range of 26.7 to 32.2 degrees Celsius (80 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit) in summer. Some of the vegetables that thrive in this climate include:

1. Broccoli - Broccoli is a cool-season crop that can be planted from seed in April. It's a member of the cabbage family and requires well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter. Broccoli seeds can be sown directly into the garden or started indoors and transplanted once they reach 4-6 inches tall. Broccoli plants prefer full sun to partial shade and require regular watering to keep the soil moist.

2. Carrots - Carrots are a root vegetable that can be planted from seed in April. They prefer well-drained, sandy soil and should be sown directly into the garden bed. Carrots take about 60-80 days to mature, so it's best to plant them early in the season to ensure a good harvest. Carrots require full sun to partial shade and regular watering to prevent the soil from drying out.

3. Spinach - Spinach is another cool-season crop that can be planted from seed in April. It's a leafy green vegetable that requires well-drained soil and prefers full sun to partial shade. Spinach seeds should be sown directly into the garden bed and will germinate in about 7-14 days. Spinach plants require regular watering and can be harvested once the leaves are 3-4 inches long.

4. Lettuce - Lettuce is a cool-season crop that can be planted from seed in April. It's a leafy green vegetable that prefers well-drained soil and requires regular watering to prevent the soil from drying out. Lettuce seeds should be sown directly into the garden bed and will germinate in about 7-14 days. Lettuce plants prefer partial shade to full sun and can be harvested once the leaves are 3-4 inches long.

5. Peas - Peas are a cool-season crop that can be planted from seed in April. They prefer well-drained soil and require full sun to partial shade. Pea seeds should be sown directly into the garden bed and will germinate in about 7-14 days. Pea plants require regular watering and can be harvested once the pods are fully formed.

 In conclusion, starting a vegetable garden in Toronto's planting zone 6 can be a rewarding and fruitful experience. By planting the right vegetables at the right time, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest throughout the growing season. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a first-timer, it's important to do your research and follow best practices for soil preparation, planting, and watering. With a little bit of hard work and patience, you can create a thriving vegetable garden that will provide you with fresh, healthy produce all season long.