April Planting in Central Texas

April moves quickly. Visit the Barton Springs Nursery to find what is ready to be planted now and create a garden that will carry you through the seasons ahead.

Still time for: 

Native perennials & grasses; when planted now, they have the opportunity to build strong root systems before Summer.

Plant Now:

Basil (Ocimum basilicum). The earlier it is established, the more it will produce as temperatures rise. Now is also a great time to plant tomatoes and peppers, which need the next few weeks to root deeply before the heat begins to stress new growth.

Direct sow:

Zinnias & Sunflowers. They grow quickly and will carry color through the hottest part of the season.

Don’t skip this step:

After planting, focus on setting your garden up for success. Water slowly and deeply, and apply mulch to help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature to aid in establishing your plant(s).

Why Now?

April is when the garden begins to move. The soil has warmed, the days stretch longer, and new growth starts to feel immediate, almost daily. It’s a brief but important window—one that allows plants to establish before the intensity of summer arrives.