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.
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.
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