What to Plant in April: Best Microgreens for Your Indoor Garden
By Brian & Bryan, Microgreens Farmers & Founders of Wind River GreensApril marks the perfect time to refresh your indoor microgreens garden with varieties that thrive in spring's mild temperatures and increasing daylight. Whether you're a seasoned grower or just starting your microgreens journey, this month offers ideal conditions for cultivating nutrient-dense greens right on your kitchen counter.
The beauty of microgreens lies in their year-round growing potential, but April's naturally moderate climate creates optimal conditions for faster germination and robust growth. You'll find that many varieties perform exceptionally well during this transitional month between winter's chill and summer's heat.
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Why April is Perfect for Microgreens
Spring's arrival brings longer days and more consistent temperatures, creating a natural greenhouse effect for your indoor garden. The increased daylight hours provide better growing conditions without the need for extensive supplemental lighting that winter growing often requires.
April's moderate temperatures (typically 60-75°F indoors) align perfectly with the germination preferences of most microgreen varieties. You'll notice faster sprouting times and more vigorous growth compared to the slower winter months.
The humidity levels during spring also tend to be more stable, reducing the risk of mold issues that can plague indoor growing during other seasons. This makes April an excellent month for beginners to start with the best varieties for new growers and enjoy higher success rates.
Top Microgreens to Plant in April
Pea Shoots: The April Superstar
Pea shoots reign supreme as April's must-grow microgreen. These tender, sweet greens germinate quickly in spring conditions and provide an incredible harvest in just 10-14 days.
Plant pea shoots in shallow trays with good drainage, and you'll be amazed at how vigorously they grow in April's favorable conditions. Their crisp texture and mild, sweet flavor make them perfect for spring salads and stir-fries.
The cooler April temperatures prevent pea shoots from becoming tough or bitter, a common issue when grown during hot summer months. At Wind River Greens, we've observed that pea shoots grown in April consistently produce the most tender and flavorful harvests.
Radish Microgreens: Quick and Spicy
Radish microgreens offer the fastest gratification for April planters, often ready to harvest in just 6-8 days. Their peppery bite adds excitement to any dish, and they're incredibly easy to grow successfully.
These hardy microgreens actually prefer the slightly cooler conditions that April mornings sometimes bring. Plant daikon, red arrow, or cherry belle radish varieties for different flavor intensities and visual appeal.
The consistent moisture levels typical of April weather help radish microgreens develop their characteristic crunch without becoming too fibrous. They're perfect for beginners looking for quick success in their new indoor garden.
Broccoli Microgreens: Nutritional Powerhouses
April's mild conditions create the perfect environment for broccoli microgreens to develop their full nutritional potential. These slow-steady growers (10-14 days) reward your patience with incredible health benefits and a mild, pleasant flavor.
Broccoli microgreens contain up to 40 times more nutrients than mature broccoli, making them a worthwhile addition to your April planting schedule. They prefer the moderate temperatures that April naturally provides.
The stable growing conditions in April help prevent the bitter taste that broccoli microgreens can develop under stress. Plant them now for consistently sweet, tender greens that even kids will enjoy.
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Sunflower Microgreens: Crunchy and Satisfying
Sunflower microgreens thrive in April's increasing daylight hours, developing their characteristic nutty flavor and satisfying crunch. These substantial microgreens take 8-12 days to mature but provide excellent yields.
The moderate April temperatures prevent sunflower microgreens from developing the tough stems that can occur in hot weather. They're perfect for adding substance to salads and sandwiches.
Black oil sunflower seeds work best for microgreen production, and April's conditions help ensure even germination across your entire tray. Their large size makes them particularly rewarding for new growers to watch develop.
Arugula: Peppery Spring Greens
Arugula microgreens love April's cool mornings and warm afternoons, developing their signature peppery bite without becoming overly spicy. They're ready to harvest in 7-10 days under optimal conditions.
These fast-growing microgreens actually prefer the temperature fluctuations that April often brings, which help develop their complex flavor profile. They're excellent for adding a gourmet touch to spring dishes.
April-grown arugula microgreens tend to be more tender and less bitter than those grown in summer heat, making this month ideal for introducing others to their unique flavor.
Step-by-Step April Planting Guide
Step 1: Prepare Your Growing Setup
Choose a location with good air circulation and access to natural light from April's longer days. A south-facing window or grow light setup works perfectly for spring microgreens production.
Gather your supplies: growing trays with drainage holes, organic potting mix or growing medium, and high-quality microgreen seeds. April's moderate humidity means you can use standard potting soil without as much concern about moisture retention issues.
Clean all equipment with a mild bleach solution to prevent any contamination issues. April's warmer temperatures can accelerate bacterial growth if your setup isn't properly sanitized.
Step 2: Seed Selection and Soaking
For April planting, focus on varieties that appreciate moderate temperatures: peas, radish, broccoli, and sunflower seeds all perform exceptionally well. Larger seeds like peas and sunflowers benefit from 8-12 hours of pre-soaking.
Use room temperature water for soaking, as April's mild conditions mean you don't need warm water to encourage germination. Smaller seeds like radish and arugula can be planted directly without soaking.
Check your seed packets for specific recommendations, but most microgreen varieties will germinate faster in April's naturally favorable conditions than package directions indicate.
Step 3: Planting and Initial Care
Fill your trays with 1-2 inches of growing medium, leaving about half an inch from the rim. April's moderate temperatures mean you don't need to worry as much about medium depth for insulation purposes.
Scatter seeds evenly across the surface, aiming for dense coverage without overcrowding. April's good air circulation helps prevent mold issues, so you can plant slightly denser than in more humid seasons.
Mist gently with water and cover with another tray or damp paper towel for the blackout period. April's stable temperatures mean you won't need to adjust your watering schedule as frequently as in other seasons.
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Optimizing Growing Conditions in April
Light Management
April's increasing daylight hours provide excellent natural growing conditions, but you may still want supplemental lighting for consistent results. Position trays near south-facing windows to take advantage of spring sunshine.
If using grow lights, you can reduce the daily duration compared to winter growing since natural light supplements your artificial lighting. Start with 12-14 hours of combined light rather than the 16+ hours needed in winter.
Watch for signs of stretching or pale growth, which indicate insufficient light even in April's brighter conditions. Adjust your setup accordingly for optimal microgreen development.
Temperature Control
April's naturally moderate temperatures (65-75°F) create ideal growing conditions for most microgreens. You'll likely need minimal temperature control during this month compared to winter or summer growing.
Monitor for temperature swings that can occur during April weather changes. Sudden cold snaps or warm spells can stress your microgreens, so be prepared to move trays away from windows during extreme weather.
Most microgreens prefer consistent temperatures, so avoid placing trays near heating vents or air conditioning units that might create temperature fluctuations during April's transitional weather.
Watering and Humidity
April's moderate humidity levels reduce the risk of mold while providing enough moisture for healthy growth. Water from the bottom when possible to encourage strong root development and prevent surface mold.
Check soil moisture daily by lifting trays – they should feel substantial but not waterlogged. April's conditions typically require watering every 1-2 days, depending on your indoor environment.
Maintain good air circulation around your growing area to prevent stagnant air that can lead to fungal issues. April's mild weather often allows for opening windows to provide natural ventilation.
Harvesting Your April Microgreens
Timing Your Harvest
April's favorable growing conditions often accelerate harvest timing compared to package recommendations. Start checking your microgreens 1-2 days earlier than expected, as they may mature faster in spring conditions.
Look for the first true leaves to appear – this is your signal that microgreens are ready for harvest. April-grown microgreens often develop more quickly and uniformly than those grown in other seasons.
Harvest in the morning when possible, as overnight cooling helps microgreens maintain their crisp texture. April's naturally cool mornings provide perfect harvesting conditions.
Storage and Use
Fresh-harvested April microgreens can last 7-10 days when properly stored in the refrigerator. Their robust growth during favorable spring conditions often results in longer shelf life than winter-grown varieties.
Store in airtight containers with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture. April-grown microgreens typically have less excess water than those grown in high-humidity conditions.
Use your fresh microgreens in seasonal spring dishes: add pea shoots to pasta, radish microgreens to avocado toast, or broccoli microgreens to smoothies for maximum nutritional benefit.
Planning Your Succession Planting
Staggered Growing Schedule
April's excellent growing conditions make it perfect for establishing a succession planting schedule. Start new trays every 3-5 days to ensure continuous harvest throughout the month and beyond.
Keep detailed records of what you plant when, as April's consistent conditions provide reliable data for planning future growing cycles. This information becomes invaluable for year-round microgreen production.
Consider planting different varieties on alternating schedules – this provides variety in your harvests and helps you learn which varieties perform best in your specific growing environment.
Preparing for May and Beyond
Use April as a learning month to perfect your techniques before summer's more challenging conditions arrive. The forgiving nature of April growing helps build confidence and skills for year-round production.
Start experimenting with more challenging varieties once you've mastered the April basics. Success with easy-growing varieties this month sets you up for tackling more demanding microgreens later.
Document your successes and challenges during April growing to reference throughout the year. These notes become your personal growing guide for future seasons.
Seasonal Growing Guides
Growing changes with the seasons. Explore our full seasonal growing guide or check out these guides:
April offers ideal conditions for both beginning and expanding your microgreens journey, with moderate temperatures and increasing daylight creating perfect growing environments. Whether you're starting your first tray or planning a continuous harvest system, this month provides the foundation for year-round microgreen success. Take advantage of nature's favorable conditions to grow nutrient-dense, flavorful microgreens that will enhance your meals throughout spring and beyond.
Keep Reading
- Microgreens 101: Everything You Need to Know
- Explore All Microgreen Varieties (Plant Database)
- Recipe: Sunflower Microgreen Salad
- Recipe: Microgreen Pesto
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Growing April Microgreens
Even with April's favorable conditions, several pitfalls can derail your microgreen success. The most frequent mistake we see at Wind River Greens is overwatering during the initial germination phase. While spring's moderate temperatures encourage growth, excess moisture combined with warmer indoor air can create perfect conditions for damping-off disease.
Keep your growing medium consistently moist but never waterlogged. A good rule of thumb is to water when the top surface appears dry but the soil underneath remains slightly damp when you press your finger into it.
Another common error is overcrowding your seeds. April's vigorous growing conditions mean seeds will expand and grow faster than in winter months. Reduce your seeding density by about 15-20% compared to winter plantings. For example, if you typically use 2 tablespoons of radish seeds per 10x20 tray in winter, drop it to 1.5 tablespoons in April.
Many growers also make the mistake of placing trays in direct sunlight during April's longer days. While the increased daylight is beneficial, direct sun through windows can create hot spots and uneven growth. Position your trays in bright, indirect light or rotate them daily if using windowsills.
Pro Tips from Experienced Growers
Veteran microgreen cultivators have discovered that staggered planting schedules work exceptionally well in April. Plant new trays every 3-4 days to ensure continuous harvests throughout the month. This technique takes advantage of April's consistent growing conditions and prevents the feast-or-famine cycle that many beginners experience.
Temperature monitoring becomes crucial during April's variable weather. Experienced growers recommend keeping a min/max thermometer near your growing area and adjusting accordingly. If temperatures spike above 78°F during unexpected warm days, increase ventilation or move trays to cooler locations temporarily.
Here's an insider secret: pre-soak larger seeds like peas and sunflowers for 8-12 hours in April, but reduce winter soaking times by 2-3 hours. The warmer ambient temperatures mean seeds absorb water more quickly, and over-soaking can lead to mushy seeds that won't germinate properly.
Professional growers also swear by the "blackout period adjustment" for April growing. Reduce your typical blackout period by 12-24 hours since seeds germinate faster in spring conditions. For example, if you normally keep pea shoots in darkness for 4 days, try 3-3.5 days in April.
Troubleshooting April Growing Challenges
When your microgreens show leggy, stretched growth in April, it's usually due to insufficient air circulation rather than inadequate light. The longer daylight hours provide plenty of illumination, but stagnant air causes stems to elongate as they search for fresh CO2. Position a small fan nearby on low speed or crack a window for gentle air movement.
Yellowing cotyledons (seed leaves) appearing earlier than expected often puzzles April growers. This typically indicates that your microgreens are growing so vigorously they're depleting their seed energy reserves faster. This isn't necessarily problematic—simply harvest 1-2 days earlier than usual for optimal flavor and nutrition.
If you notice uneven germination patterns with some areas sprouting much faster than others, check for temperature variations across your growing surface. April's fluctuating outdoor temperatures can create microclimates in your growing space. Use a probe thermometer to identify hot and cold spots, then rotate trays daily or relocate them to more consistent areas.
Mold issues during April often stem from increased humidity from spring rains or morning dew affecting indoor conditions. Combat this by ensuring proper drainage holes in your trays and avoiding misting during the final 2-3 days before harvest. If mold appears, increase air circulation immediately and consider using hydrogen peroxide solution (1 part 3% hydrogen peroxide to 10 parts water) as a gentle antifungal spray.