Spring Planting Guide: What to Plant in New Jersey’s Zone 7 This April
NEW JERSEY, NJ – As April ushers in warmer weather, gardeners in New Jersey’s Zone 7 can begin planting a variety of vegetables to ensure a bountiful harvest. This region’s climate, characterized by mild winters and warm summers, is ideal for several hearty vegetables that can be started in early spring.
Root vegetables are perfect for April planting. Carrots, beets, and radishes can be sown directly into the garden. These crops prefer cooler temperatures and mature quickly, making them an excellent choice for early spring gardening. Additionally, gardeners can plant potatoes by mid-April, as the soil begins to warm.
Leafy greens like spinach, lettuce, and Swiss chard also thrive when planted in April. These vegetables germinate quickly in cool soil, making them ideal for spring planting. For a continuous harvest, consider successive planting every two weeks.
April is also suitable for planting peas in Zone 7. These cool-season crops must be planted early enough to mature before the heat of summer sets in. Snow peas and snap peas are excellent choices, offering delicious pods and improving the soil quality with their nitrogen-fixing abilities.
For those looking to add more variety, onions and leeks can be planted from sets or transplants in April. These crops require a longer growing season and benefit from the cooler temperatures of early spring to establish their roots.
While it might still be too early for warm-season vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers, gardeners can begin preparing for these crops by starting seeds indoors or planning to purchase established plants for transplanting in late May or early June, after the risk of frost has passed.
By choosing the right vegetables and timing, gardeners in New Jersey’s Zone 7 can maximize their garden’s potential and enjoy a rich variety of homegrown produce throughout the growing season.
