April heralds the full arrival of spring, making it one of the most exciting months for herb gardeners. With the threat of frost receding, it’s time to plant more herbs and nurture those already established. This month is all about planting, growing, and harvesting. Let’s explore the best herbs to plant in April, care tips for your garden, and how to align your efforts with the moon phases for optimal results.

Front Yard (Shaded): Nurturing Cool-Weather Herbs

In your front yard, where conditions are cooler and shaded, you can continue to nurture herbs that thrive in these environments. April is the perfect time to expand your collection by sowing additional seeds and caring for those that have already sprouted.

Herbs to Sow and Care for in Shaded Areas:

• Chives: If you started chives in March, they should be growing well by now. Continue to harvest lightly to encourage bushy growth. You can also sow more seeds if you want to increase your chive harvest for the season.
• Parsley: Parsley is another herb that can continue to thrive in the shade. Sow additional seeds this month for a staggered harvest. Keep the soil consistently moist, as parsley enjoys a steady supply of water.
• Mint: Mint will be ready for more aggressive growth. If you’ve been careful with watering, it should be thriving in its pot. You can begin harvesting leaves for culinary uses and herbal remedies.

Shaded Herb Care Tips:

• Fertilisation: As growth picks up, consider using a balanced organic fertiliser to give your herbs a nutrient boost. Apply according to package instructions, ensuring not to over-fertilise, which can harm your plants.
• Mulching: A layer of organic mulch can help retain moisture in the soil, suppress weeds, and maintain a stable temperature for your herbs.

Back Yard (Sunny): Planting and Growing Sun-Loving Herbs

In your back yard, the sunny environment is perfect for planting a wider variety of herbs this April. With the frost risk diminished, you can start adding even more sun-loving herbs to your collection.

Herbs to Plant in Sunny Areas:

• Basil: April is an excellent time to sow basil seeds directly in pots. Ensure they receive plenty of sunlight, as basil thrives in warm conditions. Keep the soil moist and well-drained, and be sure to pinch off the tops once the plants are established to encourage bushiness.
• Oregano: Oregano is a hardy herb that loves full sun. Sow seeds in pots with good drainage and keep them watered until they establish. This Mediterranean herb will flourish in sunny spots and can be harvested as soon as the leaves are large enough to use.
• Sage: Sage is another sun-loving herb to consider planting in April. It prefers well-drained soil and will thrive with regular sunlight. As it grows, sage can add rich flavour to your culinary dishes.

Sunny Herb Care Tips:

• Watering: Sunny herbs will require more frequent watering, especially as temperatures rise. Water deeply to encourage roots to grow deeper into the soil.
• Spacing: When planting herbs in pots, ensure they are spaced appropriately to allow for air circulation. This will help prevent diseases and promote healthy growth.

Harvesting and Using Your Herbs

April is a wonderful time to begin harvesting your herbs. By now, chives and parsley should be ready for light harvesting, and you can enjoy fresh mint leaves in teas or cooking.

April Harvesting Tips:

• Chives: Harvest chives regularly by snipping off leaves at the base. This will promote further growth and keep your plants healthy.
• Parsley: Take a few leaves as needed, ensuring you don’t remove too many at once. This will encourage new growth and keep your parsley plant robust.
• Mint: Mint can be harvested generously as it grows quickly. Use it fresh in dishes, teas, or for making herbal infusions.

Moon Phase Tips: Planting and Harvesting with Lunar Energy

April’s moon phases provide excellent opportunities for both planting and harvesting. Aligning your gardening activities with the lunar cycle can enhance your efforts and promote healthy growth.

New Moon (early April): Ideal for Planting

The New Moon is a perfect time to plant seeds and establish new plants. Use this lunar energy to sow seeds for basil, oregano, and sage. The gravitational pull during this phase encourages strong root growth, helping your herbs to establish well.

Full Moon (late April): Time for Harvesting

As the Full Moon approaches, take the opportunity to harvest early growth from your herbs. This is an ideal time to snip fresh chives and parsley, as the Full Moon promotes abundance and encourages robust growth. Remember to leave enough foliage on the plants to ensure continued development.

Conclusion: April is the Month of Growth and Abundance

April is a vibrant month for herb gardening, offering the chance to plant new herbs and nurture those already growing. By focusing on both shaded and sunny areas of your garden, you can create a diverse collection of herbs to enjoy throughout the season. With the help of the moon phases, you can time your planting and harvesting for optimal results, ensuring a lush and fruitful herb garden as the year unfolds.

Blessed be!

Don’t forget to check out my Etsy Shop for spell & ritual kits