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What to Plant in April in Arizona

Keep reading for a full list of what to plant in April in Arizona, along with tips to help your garden thrive. April is a transition month in the garden, where the last cool-season crops finish up, and warm-season plants take center stage. Knowing what to plant now can make all the difference in keeping your garden productive through the hotter months ahead.

I have a planting guide for every month of the year, so no matter when you’re gardening, you’ll have the information you need. You can do this—I’ll help! For those in the low desert areas (below 3,500 feet), including Phoenix and Tucson, this guide will help you confidently plant and grow through the changing seasons.

For a detailed planting calendar and month-by-month guidance, check out my Arizona Planting Calendars and Guides.

Tip: Looking for garden tasks to do this month? See my Arizona Garden in April blog post and printable checklist.

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Article Outline:

• April YouTube videos
• Garden Harvests in April
• What to do before you plant this April
• Vegetables, Herbs & Fruit to plant in the low desert in April
• Vegetable, herb, and fruit seeds to start indoors during April
• Flowers to plant in the low desert in April
• Flower seeds to start indoors in the low desert in April

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April YouTube Videos

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Garden Harvests in April

While you prep for summer in your Arizona garden, enjoy this month’s harvests of cool-season vegetables, herbs, fruit, and flowers.

• Carrots planted in the fall are ready to harvest. Shorter varieties are best eaten fresh, while longer carrots store well. Harvest before the summer heat to avoid bitterness.
• Celery should be picked now before temperatures rise—heat causes bitterness and bolting. Get my favorite recipe to use some of that celery here.
• Nasturtiums are in full bloom! These edible flowers add beauty to the garden and easily reseed themselves.
• Poppies sown in fall are at their peak. Save seeds from your favorites for next season. Learn how to grow poppies.
• Rio Red Grapefruit season continues—harvest before the summer heat arrives. Juice extra citrus for storage! Get my best juicing tips.
• Keep an eye on your garlic and onions. They may be ready to harvest by the end of the month.

Enjoy the last of your cool-season crops while transitioning to warm-season planting.

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What to do before you plant this April in Arizona

Work around existing plants as you refresh your garden beds. Add organic matter like compost and worm castings to replace what was used last season, and keep feeding worms in in-bed vermicomposting bins to boost casting production and microbial life.

Check & Adjust Watering

• Inspect your watering system for leaks or clogged emitters.
• Ensure even coverage across your beds.
• Time how long it takes for water to reach 12 inches deep—this will help determine watering duration.
• I use Garden Grids from Garden in Minutes in my raised beds for even watering. (Use code Angela10 to save $10 off $100 or GITG5 for 5% off any size order.)

Monitor Soil Temperature

Use a soil thermometer to check several spots at planting depth, leaving it in place for a few minutes. Do this in the mornings for about a week to ensure temperatures are in the ideal range:

• 55°F (13°C) – Corn, Tomatoes
• 65°F (18°C) – Cucumbers, Peppers
• 70°F (21°C) – Beans, Melons, Squash
• 75°F (24°C) – Pumpkin, Okra, Eggplant

Learn how to check soil temperature for the best planting success.

Want more tips for growing in Arizona? Check out my 7 Tips for Growing a Vegetable Garden in Arizona.

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Vegetables, Herbs & Fruit to plant in the low desert in April

April marks the transition to warm-season crops in the low desert. As temperatures rise, focus on heat-tolerant vegetables, herbs, and flowers that thrive in the coming months. Fast-growing crops like beans, okra, and sunflowers will establish quickly, while longer-season crops like peppers, eggplant, and sweet potatoes benefit from an early start.

Some plants, like basil, cucumbers, and watermelons, prefer consistently warm soil, so check soil temperatures before planting.

Here’s what to plant in April:

(Click the links to read “How to Grow” articles on my website.)

SEED, TRANSPLANT, OR BOTH? S = Seed T= Transplant

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Vegetable, Herb, and Fruit Planting Guide for the Low Desert of Arizona

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Vegetable, herb, and fruit seeds to start indoors during April

Not quite ready to plant outside? Start these seeds indoors now. For more details, check out my guide on how to start seeds indoors. If you prefer direct sowing, many crops can go straight into the ground once outdoor temperatures and soil conditions are right.

(Click the link for seed sources.)

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Perpetual Vegetable, Fruit & Herb Calendar shows you when to plant vegetables in the low desert of Arizona and whether to plant seeds or transplants. See it in my shop.

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Flowers to plant in the low desert in April

Don’t forget the flowers (even if you think of yourself as just a vegetable gardener). Pick a couple from these lists. You’ll love the beauty and pollinators they add to your garden.

(Click the link to read “How to Grow” articles on my website.)

SEED, TRANSPLANT, OR BOTH? S = Seed T= Transplant

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Flower seeds to start indoors in the low desert in April

Want to get a jump start on summer flowers? Start some of these flowers indoors now.

(Click the link for seed sources.)

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The Perpetual Annual Flower Planting Calendar, available in my shop, helps you learn when to plant flowers in the low desert of Arizona and whether to plant seeds or transplants.

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How to Maximize Your Harvest

Make the most of Arizona’s short spring season by giving warm-season crops the sunniest spots in your garden. Proper spacing is key—crowded plants compete for nutrients and water, so thin seedlings early to give them room to grow. Water consistently at first to help seeds and transplants establish, then gradually transition to deep, less frequent watering to encourage strong root systems. Mulching helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature, ensuring healthier plants and a better harvest before summer heat sets in.

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