Weed, Plant, Enjoy! 3 Things to Do in April's Garden

Alyce Peterson
Mar 28
2 min read

April is one of the most rewarding months to be in the garden here in Lodi. The soil is warming, the days are stretching longer, and everything feels ready to grow. It’s a month of momentum—where a little effort now sets the stage for a beautiful and productive late spring and summer.

Here’s how to make the most of your April garden in Lodi.

Embrace the Season: Spring Is in Full Swing

With our Zone 9 climate, April is a transition month. Cool-season crops are still producing, while warm-season planting begins. It’s the perfect overlap—so your garden can be both abundant and forward-looking at the same time.

Stay Ahead of Weeds (They’re Growing Fast!)

April is prime time for weeds—and if you don’t stay on top of them now, they’ll compete with everything you’re trying to grow.

What to do:

Pull weeds while they’re small (after a rain or watering is easiest)
Use a hoe to lightly cultivate the top layer of soil
Add mulch (2–3 inches) around plants to suppress new growth
Focus on removing weeds before they go to seed

💡 Tip: A few minutes every couple of days is far easier than tackling an overgrown bed later.

Plant Root Crops for Late Spring Harvest

April is your last great window for many root crops before the heat of summer arrives.

Direct sow now:

Carrots
Radishes
Beets
Turnips

Planting tips:

Sow seeds directly into loose, well-amended soil
Keep soil consistently moist for even germination
Thin seedlings early so roots can properly develop

These crops grow quickly and reward you with fresh, crisp harvests in just a few weeks.

Grow a Fresh Salad Garden

There’s nothing better than stepping outside and picking your own salad. April is perfect for planting—and continuing to harvest—cool-season greens.

Plant or maintain:

Lettuce (leaf, romaine, butterhead)
Arugula
Spinach
Mustard greens

How to keep it going:

Plant in succession every 2–3 weeks
Harvest outer leaves (“cut and come again”)
Provide a little afternoon shade as temperatures rise

Tip: A simple shade cloth can extend your salad season well into early summer.

Bonus April Garden Tasks

Feed your soil: Add compost or a gentle organic fertilizer
Check irrigation: Make sure drip systems are working efficiently before the heat arrives
Stake early: Tomatoes and climbing plants will benefit from support now, not later
Watch the weather: Late cold snaps are rare but still possible—keep row covers handy

Final Thoughts

April in Lodi is about balance—tending what’s already growing while planting what’s next. Stay consistent with weeding, take advantage of this last window for root crops, and enjoy the simplicity of a fresh salad garden.

A little time in the garden each day this month doesn’t just grow vegetables—it builds the foundation for your entire growing season.