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Container Gardening in San Diego: Smart Small-Space Solutions

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A San Diego patio filled with colorful potted plants including succulents, daisies, and a blooming orange kangaroo paw under bright sun

Container gardening is a perfect fit for San Diego’s sunny weather, small yards, and water-wise mindset. Whether you’re working with a balcony, patio, or a tiny urban yard, you can create lush, productive gardens in pots — with style and simplicity. Here’s how to make your container garden thrive in the spring sun.

A San Diego patio filled with colorful potted plants including succulents, daisies, and a blooming orange kangaroo paw under bright sun
A sunlit San Diego patio filled with drought-tolerant plants arranged in colorful containers.

Why Container Gardening Works in San Diego

With limited rainfall and small outdoor spaces, container gardening is one of the most flexible and water-efficient ways to grow in San Diego. It lets you:

  • Grow plants in spaces where traditional gardening isn’t possible
  • Control water use and soil quality
  • Move plants to find the right sun or shade exposure
  • Update your garden layout with the seasons

Choosing the Right Containers

  • Material matters: Terra cotta breathes well but dries quickly. Plastic retains moisture longer and is lighter for balconies or railings.
  • Drainage is a must: All containers should have holes — soggy roots are a death sentence for most plants.
  • Think vertical: Use hanging baskets, wall planters, and tiered shelves to maximize space.

Best Plants for Container Gardening in San Diego

Stick with plants that love sun and don’t need constant watering. Some great options include:

  • Succulents: Echeveria, aloe, agave, and haworthia
  • Herbs: Rosemary, thyme, oregano, and basil thrive in small pots
  • Edibles: Cherry tomatoes, chili peppers, lettuce, and strawberries do well in raised containers
  • Flowers: Lantana, geraniums, and African daisies add color and attract pollinators

How to Keep Containers Thriving in Spring Sun

  • Water deeply but less often: Let the top inch of soil dry out between waterings
  • Use potting mix, not garden soil: It’s lighter, drains better, and helps prevent rot
  • Fertilize monthly: Nutrients wash out faster in pots — use a slow-release or liquid fertilizer
  • Rotate your pots: Ensure even sun exposure and healthier growth

Designing with Containers

Use a mix of heights, textures, and colors to create interest. Group containers in odd numbers, use vertical accents like trellises, and consider matching your pots to your home’s aesthetic. You don’t need a huge yard — just a little creativity.

Want more San Diego gardening tips? Explore our Low-Maintenance Lawn Alternatives for San Diego or download your April Yard Checklist to stay on schedule.

Building Raised Beds for Atlanta’s Vegetable Gardens

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A raised wooden garden bed in an Atlanta backyard filled with lettuce, tomatoes, and peppers growing in rich soil under bright sunlight

Atlanta’s warm climate and long growing season make it ideal for growing vegetables — but heavy, compacted clay soil can be a big challenge. That’s why raised beds are one of the smartest ways to garden in Georgia. They give you control over soil quality, improve drainage, and make planting, weeding, and harvesting a whole lot easier. Here’s how to build and use raised beds to grow your best garden yet.

A raised wooden garden bed in an Atlanta backyard filled with lettuce, tomatoes, and peppers growing in rich soil under bright sunlight
A thriving vegetable garden in Atlanta’s spring sunlight, planted in a freshly built raised bed.

Why Raised Beds Work So Well in Atlanta

Georgia’s red clay holds nutrients but drains poorly, which can suffocate plant roots. Raised beds solve this by giving you a custom soil mix above ground — with better aeration, drainage, and root development.

  • Better drainage: Essential during heavy spring rains
  • Fewer weeds: You control the soil, so fewer weed seeds sneak in
  • Higher yields: Warm, loose soil speeds up plant growth
  • Easy access: Less bending and no digging required

How to Build a Raised Garden Bed

You can buy a kit or build your own. Cedar and redwood are rot-resistant, but pressure-treated pine is budget-friendly and safe under modern guidelines.

  • Size: 4×8 feet is popular and manageable — make sure you can reach the middle from each side
  • Depth: 10–12 inches deep gives roots room to grow and handles most crops
  • Base prep: Remove grass or lay down cardboard to block weeds

What to Fill It With

Skip the Georgia clay! Instead, use a mix of:

  • 1 part compost
  • 1 part peat moss or coconut coir
  • 1 part vermiculite or aged pine bark fines

This lightweight, nutrient-rich blend supports vegetables from root to fruit.

What to Plant in April

April in Atlanta is prime planting time. Try:

  • Greens: Collards, kale, lettuce, and arugula
  • Tomatoes & Peppers: Start transplants now for summer harvests
  • Root Crops: Carrots, beets, and radishes do well in deep, loose soil

Tips for Success

  • Use mulch to keep weeds down and moisture in
  • Install drip irrigation for even watering
  • Rotate crops each season to maintain soil health

Grow Big with a Simple Upgrade

Raised beds are one of the easiest upgrades you can make to your garden — especially in a clay-heavy climate like Atlanta. With good design and proper soil, you’ll enjoy better harvests and easier upkeep all season long.

Ready to keep planting? Don’t miss our April Planting Guide for Atlanta or download the Atlanta April Yard Checklist to stay on track.

Rain Garden Basics for Bellevue Homeowners

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A backyard rain garden in Bellevue, WA with native plants, mulch, and a gentle slope designed to catch runoff

Rain gardens are functional landscape features that help manage stormwater runoff by capturing it and filtering it through native plants and soil. In Bellevue’s rainy climate, they’re more than just trendy — they’re essential for protecting our watersheds, homes, and landscapes. Here’s how to design a beautiful, low-maintenance rain garden for your yard.

A backyard rain garden in Bellevue, WA with native plants, mulch, and a gentle slope designed to catch runoff
A backyard rain garden in Bellevue, WA with native plants, mulch, and a gentle slope designed to catch runoff.

Why Bellevue Homes Benefit from Rain Gardens

  • Stormwater management: They prevent runoff from pooling in unwanted areas and reduce the load on storm drains.
  • Pollution control: By filtering water through soil and plants, rain gardens trap pollutants before they reach local waterways.
  • Local support: Bellevue offers educational resources and occasional incentives for sustainable yard projects.

Planning Your Rain Garden

Start with a spot that naturally collects water — at least 10 feet from your home’s foundation and away from septic systems.

  • Size: Ideally, your rain garden should be about 10–30% the size of the area draining into it.
  • Soil test: Do a simple percolation test to ensure the soil drains well (1” per hour is ideal).
  • Shape: Create a shallow bowl or oval with gently sloped sides for both safety and function.

Choosing Plants That Thrive

Native Pacific Northwest plants work best in a Bellevue rain garden. Look for species that tolerate both wet roots and dry spells:

  • Water-tolerant base plants: Oregon iris, lady fern, swamp milkweed
  • Dry edge plants: Red-flowering currant, snowberry, coastal strawberry
  • Pollinator boosters: Sedges, rushes, and yarrow attract butterflies and beneficial insects

Building and Maintaining Your Rain Garden

  • Excavation: Dig 6–12 inches deep, amending with sand and compost as needed
  • Mulching: Use shredded bark or pine straw to suppress weeds and regulate moisture
  • Maintenance: Check for sediment buildup, replenish mulch yearly, and prune as needed

Work with the Rain — Not Against It

Rain gardens are a smart way to handle Bellevue’s wet weather while enhancing your yard’s curb appeal. They’re low-maintenance, high-impact, and a perfect DIY weekend project for spring.

Want more tips? Explore our Spring Gardening Tips for Bellevue Homeowners or browse our April Vegetable Guide.

How to Fertilize Desert Plants in Gilbert, AZ

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Fertilizer being applied to desert plants in a sunny Gilbert yard with gravel and succulents

Desert gardening in Gilbert, AZ demands a unique approach — especially when it comes to fertilizing. The key to success is giving your plants the nutrients they need without disrupting their natural drought resistance. This guide will walk you through everything from product selection to application timing so your yard can thrive in the heat.

Fertilizer being applied to desert plants in a sunny Gilbert yard with gravel and succulents
A gardener applies fertilizer to low-water plants in a Gilbert, AZ front yard using a scoop and slow-release granules.

Know Your Soil

Gilbert’s soil ranges from sandy to compacted clay, both of which make water and nutrient retention difficult. Before fertilizing, it’s important to know what you’re working with. A quick soil test kit can reveal your pH and nutrient deficiencies — giving you a better idea of what your plants really need.

What Type of Fertilizer is Best?

For desert-adapted plants, use a low-nitrogen, slow-release fertilizer or an organic blend with balanced NPK. Avoid high-nitrogen formulas which promote weak, lush growth that doesn’t handle heat well.

  • Succulents & Cacti: Use a cactus-specific fertilizer with micronutrients.
  • Native Shrubs & Flowers: Balanced 5-5-5 or 8-8-8 mixes work well.
  • Desert Trees: Apply tree spikes or deep-root liquid feed once per year in early spring.

When to Fertilize in Gilbert

Apply fertilizer during the cooler growing seasons — early spring (March–April) and fall (October). Avoid summer fertilizing, as it can stress plants already coping with extreme temperatures.

Smart Application Tips

  • Apply fertilizer near the root zone, not directly on the stem or trunk.
  • Water thoroughly after application to help nutrients absorb.
  • Avoid applying just before heavy rain to prevent runoff and waste.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Over-fertilizing: This can burn roots and disrupt natural resilience.
  • Using lawn fertilizer: It’s too strong and not balanced for desert plants.
  • Ignoring plant needs: Some established natives may not need any fertilization at all.

Let Your Landscape Thrive

With the right product, timing, and technique, fertilizing desert plants in Gilbert can help your yard flourish without compromising water-wise principles. Keep it simple, be consistent, and let your plants do what they were built to do — thrive in the desert.

Want more local tips? Check out our Top Drought-Resistant Plants for Arizona Gardens or Spring Lawn & Landscape Tips for Gilbert.

Dealing with Pests in Your Spring Garden: Atlanta Edition

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Close-up of a healthy Atlanta vegetable garden with signs of spring pest control and organic planting.

Spring is Here — So Are the Bugs

Atlanta’s gardens come alive in April — and so do the pests. The warm, humid conditions that help your vegetables and flowers thrive also create a perfect environment for insects. Whether you’re dealing with aphids, vine borers, or flea beetles, a few early-season pest problems can quickly turn into a major garden headache. Here’s how to stop them before they get out of control.

Close-up of a healthy Atlanta vegetable garden with signs of spring pest control and organic planting.
An early spring vegetable bed in Atlanta with organic pest control measures in place.

Why Atlanta Gardens Attract So Many Pests in Spring

Our warm soil, frequent rain, and extended growing season create ideal conditions for both plants and pests. By mid-April, many common insects are active — and if you’re not prepared, they’ll get the jump on your seedlings.

Common Spring Garden Pests in Georgia

  • Aphids: Tiny, sap-sucking bugs that cluster on leaves and stems
  • Squash Vine Borers: Lay eggs at the base of squash plants — larvae bore into stems
  • Flea Beetles: Jumping beetles that leave shot-hole damage on young leaves
  • Cutworms: Hide in the soil and snip off seedlings at the base
  • Slugs & Snails: Especially common in damp corners of your garden beds

Early Detection = Easier Control

The sooner you spot signs of pests, the easier they are to manage. Look for:

  • Sticky, curled, or yellowing leaves
  • Chewed edges or holes in foliage
  • Wilting plants even with adequate water
  • Insect eggs or larvae near the base of plants

Natural Pest Control That Works

  • Neem Oil Spray: Great for aphids, beetles, and whiteflies — apply in the evening
  • Floating Row Covers: Protect young plants from borers and beetles
  • Handpicking: Still one of the most effective ways to control large bugs
  • Companion Planting: Use basil, marigolds, and nasturtiums to repel common pests

Preventative Practices

Good habits go a long way. Rotate crops each season, clear dead leaves regularly, and avoid overhead watering which can spread fungal diseases. If you’ve had trouble with squash vine borers in the past, consider planting resistant varieties or delaying squash planting until May.

Stay One Step Ahead of the Bugs

Spring pests are a fact of life in Southern gardens, but they don’t have to ruin your season. By staying alert and taking action early, you can enjoy a thriving, chemical-free garden in Atlanta this year.

Starting new crops this month? Check out Vegetables Suited for Atlanta’s Climate or download your April Yard Checklist for Atlanta.

Composting at Home: Getting Started in Bellevue

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A composting bin in a shaded backyard in Bellevue surrounded by spring greenery and garden beds.

Low-Water, High-Style: Gravel Gardens in Gilbert

Gilbert residents know that desert landscaping isn’t just practical — it can be stunning. A well-designed gravel garden can turn your yard into a drought-resistant oasis that requires very little upkeep, saves on water, and stands up beautifully to the Arizona sun. Whether you’re revamping your front yard or replacing a patchy lawn, this guide walks you through everything you need to create a gravel garden that thrives in Gilbert’s desert climate.

A modern gravel garden in Gilbert featuring succulents, boulders, and desert-friendly plants
Gravel gardens are a perfect blend of structure, color, and desert-friendly sustainability.

Why Choose a Gravel Garden in Gilbert?

Gravel gardens are a type of xeriscaping — a landscaping technique designed for water conservation. Unlike lawns or thirsty flower beds, gravel gardens retain moisture, reflect heat away from roots, and eliminate the need for constant watering. Plus, they offer a clean, modern aesthetic that fits right in with Gilbert’s desert surroundings.

Choosing the Right Gravel

Not all gravel is created equal. For desert gardens in Gilbert, here are some top choices:

  • Decomposed Granite (DG): Offers a compact surface perfect for walkways and ground cover.
  • River Rock: Adds contrast and texture when used in dry stream beds or borders.
  • Crushed Stone: Available in many sizes and colors for visual appeal and soil protection.

Choose gravel tones that complement your home’s exterior and existing hardscape for a cohesive look.

Plants that Pair Perfectly with Gravel

The key to a successful gravel garden is mixing structure with color and form. Great plant choices include:

  • Red Yucca – bold spiky forms with coral blooms
  • Lantana – colorful, fast-spreading groundcover
  • Agave – striking architectural statement plants
  • Brittlebush – soft gray foliage and bright yellow flowers
  • Texas Sage – hardy shrub with purple blooms

For more ideas, check out Top Drought-Resistant Plants for Arizona Gardens.

Drainage & Weed Control: Getting the Base Right

Before you start pouring gravel, you’ll need to prepare the area:

  1. Remove any grass or weeds
  2. Level the soil and install a layer of landscape fabric
  3. Apply a 2- to 3-inch layer of gravel evenly across the space

Landscape edging helps keep the gravel in place and adds a finished look.

Design Tips for Stunning Layouts

  • Use boulders or driftwood as focal points
  • Break up large spaces with flagstone paths or patios
  • Incorporate elevation changes with mounds or tiered beds
  • Group plants by size and water needs for natural flow

Low Maintenance — Not No Maintenance

Gravel gardens require less effort than traditional gardens, but they still need occasional care:

  • Blow or rake off leaves and debris to prevent weed growth
  • Check irrigation (if used) for leaks or clogs
  • Replenish gravel every couple of years to maintain coverage

Bring Your Yard to Life — Without Using Much Water

By switching to a gravel garden, you’re saving water, reducing yard work, and adding serious curb appeal. With the right materials and plants, your Gilbert yard can become a desert sanctuary that’s both eco-friendly and eye-catching.

Looking to conserve even more water? Check out Installing Efficient Irrigation Systems in Gilbert — and don’t forget your April Yard Checklist for Gilbert!

How to Create a Gravel Garden in the Desert

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A modern gravel garden in Gilbert featuring succulents, boulders, and desert-friendly plants.

Low-Water, High-Style: Gravel Gardens in Gilbert

Gilbert residents know that desert landscaping isn’t just practical — it can be stunning. A well-designed gravel garden can turn your yard into a drought-resistant oasis that requires very little upkeep, saves on water, and stands up beautifully to the Arizona sun. Whether you’re revamping your front yard or replacing a patchy lawn, this guide walks you through everything you need to create a gravel garden that thrives in Gilbert’s desert climate.

A modern gravel garden in Gilbert featuring succulents, boulders, and desert-friendly plants
Gravel gardens are a perfect blend of structure, color, and desert-friendly sustainability.

Why Choose a Gravel Garden in Gilbert?

Gravel gardens are a type of xeriscaping — a landscaping technique designed for water conservation. Unlike lawns or thirsty flower beds, gravel gardens retain moisture, reflect heat away from roots, and eliminate the need for constant watering. Plus, they offer a clean, modern aesthetic that fits right in with Gilbert’s desert surroundings.

Choosing the Right Gravel

Not all gravel is created equal. For desert gardens in Gilbert, here are some top choices:

  • Decomposed Granite (DG): Offers a compact surface perfect for walkways and ground cover.
  • River Rock: Adds contrast and texture when used in dry stream beds or borders.
  • Crushed Stone: Available in many sizes and colors for visual appeal and soil protection.

Choose gravel tones that complement your home’s exterior and existing hardscape for a cohesive look.

Plants that Pair Perfectly with Gravel

The key to a successful gravel garden is mixing structure with color and form. Great plant choices include:

  • Red Yucca – bold spiky forms with coral blooms
  • Lantana – colorful, fast-spreading groundcover
  • Agave – striking architectural statement plants
  • Brittlebush – soft gray foliage and bright yellow flowers
  • Texas Sage – hardy shrub with purple blooms

For more ideas, check out Top Drought-Resistant Plants for Arizona Gardens.

Drainage & Weed Control: Getting the Base Right

Before you start pouring gravel, you’ll need to prepare the area:

  1. Remove any grass or weeds
  2. Level the soil and install a layer of landscape fabric
  3. Apply a 2- to 3-inch layer of gravel evenly across the space

Landscape edging helps keep the gravel in place and adds a finished look.

Design Tips for Stunning Layouts

  • Use boulders or driftwood as focal points
  • Break up large spaces with flagstone paths or patios
  • Incorporate elevation changes with mounds or tiered beds
  • Group plants by size and water needs for natural flow

Low Maintenance — Not No Maintenance

Gravel gardens require less effort than traditional gardens, but they still need occasional care:

  • Blow or rake off leaves and debris to prevent weed growth
  • Check irrigation (if used) for leaks or clogs
  • Replenish gravel every couple of years to maintain coverage

Bring Your Yard to Life — Without Using Much Water

By switching to a gravel garden, you’re saving water, reducing yard work, and adding serious curb appeal. With the right materials and plants, your Gilbert yard can become a desert sanctuary that’s both eco-friendly and eye-catching.

Looking to conserve even more water? Check out Installing Efficient Irrigation Systems in Gilbert — and don’t forget your April Yard Checklist for Gilbert!

Drought-Resistant Lawn Alternatives for San Diego

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Drought-tolerant front yard in San Diego with gravel, succulents, and modern design.

Rethinking the Lawn in a Drought-Prone City

In San Diego, water conservation isn’t just a good idea — it’s a way of life. With frequent drought conditions, rising water costs, and stricter local ordinances, many homeowners are trading in their thirsty grass lawns for smarter, drought-resistant alternatives. Fortunately, lawn-free doesn’t mean lifeless. Let’s look at some stunning, low-maintenance options that can transform your yard while dramatically cutting water use.

Drought-tolerant front yard in San Diego with gravel, succulents, and modern design
A modern, drought-friendly San Diego front yard featuring gravel paths and native plants.

Why Replace Your Lawn?

Traditional turf grass consumes thousands of gallons of water every year, especially in arid climates like San Diego’s. Replacing grass with drought-tolerant materials not only reduces water bills, but also lowers maintenance time and supports local ecosystems. Some homeowners even qualify for turf replacement rebates through state or city programs.

Top Drought-Resistant Lawn Alternatives

  • Artificial Turf: A popular low-maintenance solution that mimics real grass without the watering. Great for play areas and pet zones.
  • Dymondia: A silver-green groundcover that thrives in sun and light foot traffic. It stays low, spreads easily, and resists drought once established.
  • Kurapia: A flowering groundcover that needs less than 60% of the water used by regular turf. It blooms with tiny white flowers and suppresses weeds naturally.
  • Decomposed Granite (DG): Used in walkways, patios, or as a full lawn replacement. It creates a clean, modern aesthetic with minimal upkeep.
  • Native Grasses: Mow-less options like Buffalo Grass or Carex pansa look natural and provide habitat for beneficial insects and birds.

Designing a Lawn-Free Landscape

Going grass-free opens up exciting design opportunities. Mix hardscape and softscape elements — think gravel paths, flagstone patios, raised planters, and native succulents. Use mulch or bark around trees and shrubs to lock in moisture and reduce runoff. Even small yards benefit from layered planting, texture, and seasonal color.

Cost and Maintenance Comparison

While artificial turf may have higher upfront costs, it often pays for itself in 3–5 years through water savings and zero mowing. Groundcovers like Kurapia and Dymondia are less expensive to install and have softer, more natural appearances. Most drought-tolerant options require minimal pruning and once-a-week watering at most during summer months.

Low Water, High Style

From colorful succulents to low-profile grasses and gravel mosaics, there’s no shortage of creative ways to ditch your lawn and embrace San Diego’s climate. Whether your priority is saving water, lowering maintenance, or creating curb appeal — the right drought-resistant solution is out there.

Ready to make the switch? Explore more tips in our April Yard Checklist for San Diego or subscribe to get local advice sent to your inbox each week.

Planting Guide: Vegetables Suited for Atlanta’s Climate

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A productive vegetable garden with raised beds and lush greenery in a suburban Atlanta backyard.

April Planting in Atlanta: A Southern Gardener’s Head Start

In Atlanta, spring doesn’t just sneak in — it arrives with vibrant energy. By April, the soil is warming, the humidity is kicking in, and Southern gardens are ready to grow. Whether you’re planting in raised beds, containers, or traditional backyard rows, this is one of the best times to fill your garden with productive, heat-loving crops. Let’s explore what to plant right now to take advantage of Atlanta’s long growing season.

A productive vegetable garden with raised beds and lush greenery in a suburban Atlanta backyard
A thriving vegetable garden in Atlanta’s spring — perfect for warm-season planting.

Atlanta’s Gardening Advantage: Zone 8a–8b

As part of USDA Zones 8a and 8b, Atlanta enjoys a relatively long growing season with plenty of sun and a good dose of humidity. April is ideal for warm-season vegetables, but you still have a bit of overlap with some cool-season crops. The key is knowing which plants can handle a little heat and humidity — and how to plant them right.

Best Vegetables to Plant in April

  • Beans: Both bush and pole beans do exceptionally well in April. They germinate quickly and thrive in Atlanta’s warming soil.
  • Tomatoes (transplants): Start with strong seedlings. Choose heat-resistant, disease-resistant varieties and stake them early.
  • Peppers: Bell, banana, and hot peppers all love the sun. Give them time to establish before the intense heat of July.
  • Cucumbers: These fast growers do great in warm soil — just make sure they have room to climb or sprawl.
  • Zucchini & Summer Squash: Easy to grow and very productive. Sow directly into well-drained soil after any frost danger has passed.
  • Okra: A Southern staple. Plant seeds directly in late April when the soil is warm and the risk of frost is gone.

Succession Planting: Keep Your Garden Producing

One of the best strategies for maximizing Atlanta’s long season is succession planting. Instead of planting all your seeds at once, sow in stages every 2–3 weeks. This spreads out your harvest and helps avoid overwhelming gluts of produce.

Soil, Sun, and Pest Tips for Atlanta Gardens

  • Soil: Georgia’s clay can be dense. Mix in compost and organic matter to improve texture and drainage.
  • Sun: Most vegetables need at least 6–8 hours of direct sun. Consider shade cloth or afternoon shade for heat-sensitive plants like lettuce.
  • Pests: Aphids, squash vine borers, and flea beetles become active this month. Inspect your plants regularly and use natural deterrents like neem oil or row covers.

Harvest Starts in Weeks — So Get Planting

With a little planning, your April-planted crops will yield fresh vegetables within a few weeks — and keep going deep into summer. From juicy tomatoes to crunchy beans and vibrant peppers, Atlanta’s climate is ideal for homegrown produce.

Looking for more seasonal tasks? Check out our April Yard Checklist for Atlanta or subscribe to get weekly garden tips right in your inbox.

Best Vegetables to Plant in Bellevue This April

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Welcome Spring with the Right Crops for Bellevue’s Climate

Spring is one of the most exciting times of year for gardeners in Bellevue, WA. As the soil warms and daylight stretches longer, it’s the perfect time to start planting a fresh crop of vegetables — but in Zone 8b, timing and variety matter. April brings moist soil, cool nights, and bursts of sun, which makes it ideal for certain crops and risky for others. In this guide, we’ll walk through exactly what vegetables to plant this month and how to give them the best start.

Raised garden beds in Bellevue filled with leafy green spring vegetables
A productive raised bed garden thriving in Bellevue’s mild April conditions.

Understanding Your Zone: What Bellevue’s 8b Rating Means

USDA Zone 8b means your average last frost date is around mid-April. That means by now, it’s safe to direct sow many cool-weather crops, and also time to prepare for transplanting warm-weather varieties as the month continues. Bellevue’s unique balance of rain, cloud cover, and brief warm spells makes it ideal for leafy greens and root veggies that don’t like to bolt too quickly.

Top Vegetables to Plant This April in Bellevue

  • Leafy Greens: Lettuce, kale, spinach, Swiss chard, and arugula all thrive in cool soil. They prefer partial sun and can be harvested early and often.
  • Root Crops: Carrots, beets, radishes, and turnips are fast-growing and perfect for direct sowing now. Make sure your soil is loose and deep enough for good root development.
  • Alliums: If you haven’t already planted garlic last fall, you can still plant scallions and bulb onions. Choose short-day varieties for the best yield.
  • Peas and Broad Beans: Snap peas and snow peas love the cool April air and can climb trellises for vertical space-saving growth.

When to Start Indoors vs Direct Sow

April is also a great time to start a few warm-season crops indoors. Tomatoes, peppers, and basil can be seeded under grow lights now and transplanted in late May after the soil warms up. If you’re using raised beds, consider placing cloches or plastic tunnels to help speed up germination and keep seedlings warm on chilly nights.

Avoiding Common Early-Spring Challenges

  • Slugs: Slug pressure is high in early spring. Use copper tape, beer traps, or diatomaceous earth to protect tender seedlings.
  • Soggy Soil: Don’t overwater! Bellevue’s frequent spring rain can lead to waterlogged soil. Raised beds or amended soil help a lot here.
  • Uneven Germination: Use seed-starting mixes and ensure consistent soil temps to promote even sprouting.

Get Growing Now — and Keep it Going

April is just the beginning. As you direct sow hardy crops, also begin prepping your beds for the next round of planting in late May and early June. Bellevue’s long growing season gives you multiple chances to grow great produce — so don’t be afraid to succession plant and fill in gaps as crops are harvested.

Need help planning? Subscribe to our April yard checklist for Bellevue or sign up for local tips by email.

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