Can you already feel it — that irresistible itch to get your hands into the soil? The garden is calling, and there’s good news: the raised bed season is officially open! April is the perfect time to kickstart your growing journey, even if the nights are still a little chilly.
Early Birds Get the Harvest
Thanks to the quicker soil warming and better drainage in raised beds, you can get a head start on sowing hardy vegetables like lettuce, radishes, spring onions, broccoli, and kohlrabi.
With a little luck and some friendly weather, you might already be harvesting your first fresh salads by May!
To protect your seedlings from sudden cold snaps, hungry pests, or intense early sunshine, simply cover the beds with a breathable garden fleece or a wool blanket. Beneath these cozy covers, a snug microclimate forms — creating just the right environment for young plants to thrive.
Tip: Give each seedling enough space to bathe in sunlight — avoid overcrowding, even when enthusiasm tempts you to plant “just a few more.”
What’s Next on the Menu?
As temperatures rise, it’s time to welcome summer-loving crops like tomatoes, peppers, zucchinis, eggplants, beets, leeks, cabbages, and carrots into your raised bed paradise.
These sun worshippers will happily stay with you all the way through August and September, rewarding you with a colorful, delicious harvest.
And let’s not forget about herbs! Basil, thyme, oregano, rosemary, and parsley thrive beautifully in raised beds and add a fragrant touch to your summer meals.
The Perfect Match: Best Plants for Raised Beds
Raised beds aren’t just for vegetables — they’re ideal for growing a vibrant mix of crops. Thanks to the loose, nutrient-rich soil, many plants perform even better here than in open ground.
Here are some more fantastic options you can plant:
- Leafy greens: spinach, Swiss chard, arugula, endive
- Root vegetables: radishes, carrots, beets, turnips
- Compact fruits: strawberries
- Climbing vegetables: pole beans, cucumbers (trained on a trellis)
- Cut flowers: marigolds, nasturtiums, calendulas (great companions that also attract pollinators!)
Mixing vegetables, herbs, and flowers together not only looks beautiful but also supports biodiversity and can naturally help with pest control.
Keep the Growing Party Going
When late summer arrives, don’t hang up your garden gloves just yet! You can sow fast-growing autumn favorites like spinach and corn salad (also called lamb’s lettuce).
These cool-season champions will happily provide crisp greens for your table well into September.
Pro tip: After harvesting your summer crops, refresh the soil by adding compost before sowing autumn varieties. This keeps your raised bed healthy and productive season after season.
Time to Roll Up Your Sleeves!
The magic of a raised bed is that it’s a garden you can shape with your own hands — no matter how big or small your space is. Whether you’re dreaming of juicy tomatoes, colorful radishes, or a kitchen brimming with homegrown herbs, there’s no better moment to dive in than right now. So grab your seeds, grab your tools, and let’s grow something amazing this season!
