April in the garden feels bittersweet this year.
In March, I watched my winter vegetables—broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts—struggle and fail. I’d been focused on my health, and the garden didn’t get the care or water it needed. Life happens, but it still stings.
Then, just the other day, I realized I’d also missed my window for planting the seeds for the spring crops I usually grow—tomatoes, cucumbers, corn, and squash.
With record-breaking heat already here and only a short cool-down ahead, the time for those “northern crops” has passed. I can’t turn back time, but I can still look forward.
The long, hot, humid months are on their way—so now it’s time to ask: what can I grow in April?
This weekend, I planted seeds for a few plants that should do well in my Zone 10A Florida garden. It still feels a little strange to be gardening so early in the year, even after living here for almost 25 years.
I
remember those Midwest springs so clearly. Just the other day, I saw a freeze warning for Indianapolis—with morning temps dropping into the low 20s! Some eager gardeners, reacting to the warm temperatures they’ve already experienced this spring, have already put plants in the ground, only to risk losing them to frost.
Back when I lived in Indy, I always waited until Memorial Day weekend to start my garden. It was the safe bet, even if I was itching to dig in the dirt by April.
Here in Florida, though, things work a little differently. The heat comes fast and stays long, so I have to be selective about plants that I will start with seed now. I picked out a few favorites I know will stand up to the warmer weather ahead. I’ll share three of them with you next—easy to grow, heat-loving, and just right for an April garden in the Sunshine State.
Plant Profile: Heavenly Blue Morning Glory
Ipomoea tricolor
Type: Tender perennial (often grown as an annual)
Growth Habit: Fast-growing, twining vine
Height: 6–10 feet
Bloom Color: Bright sky-blue with a white throat
Bloom Time: Mid-summer to early fall
Leaves: Heart-shaped, medium green
Light Needs: Full sun (tolerates partial shade)
Water Needs: Moderate when young; drought-tolerant once established
Soil: Well-drained
Spacing: 6–8 inches apart
Hardiness: USDA Zones 10–11 (grown as an annual elsewhere)
Attracts: Butterflies, bees, hummingbirds
Toxicity Warning: Seeds can be toxic if ingested
Invasive Potential: Can reseed aggressively in warm climates
Tips for Success
- Soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours before planting to improve germination.
- Provide a sturdy structure to climb—trellises, fences, arbors, or even a mailbox post.
- Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to more leaves than flowers.
- Deadhead to control reseeding if you don’t want it spreading.
Thimble & Tansy Notes
I’ve had good luck growing morning glories where they get morning shade and afternoon sun—maybe a little unexpected, but they seem to love it!
My seed packet warns they don’t transplant well, but I’ve moved them without any trouble.
The real challenge? Rabbits. The last time I grew them, visiting bunnies nibbled them down to the ground—gone overnight! So this year, I’ll be wrapping mine in a bit of chicken wire until they’re big enough to fend for themselves.
Plant Profile: Butterfly Pea Vine
Clitoria ternatea
Type: Tender perennial (can be grown as an annual)
Growth Habit: Twining, climbing vine
Height: 6–10 feet or more with support
Bloom Color: Deep blue to purple (occasionally white), with a delicate, butterfly-like shape
Bloom Time: Late spring through fall
Leaves: Oval, soft green leaflets in pairs
Light Needs: Full sun to part shade
Water Needs: Moderate, with good drainage
Soil: Well-drained; tolerates sandy soil
Spacing: 8–12 inches apart
Hardiness: USDA Zones 9–11
Attracts: Butterflies, bees, and beneficial pollinators
Edible Uses: Flowers can be used fresh or dried to make herbal tea and natural food coloring
Invasive Potential: Low risk; tends to stay where it’s planted
Tips for Success
- Plant seeds directly in the garden once the soil has warmed.
- Soak seeds overnight to improve germination.
- Provide a trellis, arbor, or fence for support.
- Water regularly, especially in dry weather, but don’t overwater.
- Pinch tips to encourage bushier growth and more blooms.
Thimble & Tansy Notes
I planted butterfly pea seeds in one of my sunnier garden spots this weekend, hoping for a season of rich blue blooms and trailing vines. They feel a little magical to me—those flowers really do look like tiny butterflies resting on the vine.
I love that they’re more than just pretty faces. The blooms make a beautiful tea that turns purple when you add lemon—like a garden party trick. Plus, they handle our Florida heat better than most delicate-looking flowers. Give them something to climb and a little attention, and they’ll reward you with blooms for months.
Plant Profile: Tennessee Red Valencia Peanut
Arachis hypogaea
Type: Annual legume
Growth Habit: Low-growing, bushy plant
Height: 12–18 inches
Spread: 18–24 inches
Flower Color: Small, yellow, pea-like blooms
Harvest Time: About 100–110 days after planting
Light Needs: Full sun
Water Needs: Moderate; keep evenly moist, especially during flowering and pegging
Soil: Loose, sandy, and well-drained
Spacing: 4–6 inches apart in rows 24–36 inches apart
Hardiness: Best in USDA Zones 8–11
Edible Uses: Sweet, red-skinned peanuts; great fresh, roasted, or boiled
Attracts: Adds nitrogen to the soil, supporting healthy garden ecosystems
Invasive Potential: Low
Tips for Success
- Peanuts love warm weather, so plant once soil temps are consistently above 65°F.
- Loosen the soil well—peanuts grow underground and need room to develop.
- After flowering, the plant sends “pegs” into the soil where the peanuts form—mulch lightly to protect these areas.
- Water consistently, especially during flowering and peg development.
- Harvest when the leaves begin to yellow and pull up the whole plant.
Thimble & Tansy Notes
This weekend, I tucked Tennessee Red Valencia peanut seeds into my Vego raised garden bed.
It’s my first time growing peanuts, and I’m excited to see how they do!
Valencia types are known for their smaller, sweeter peanuts—perfect for boiling fresh or roasting later on. I’m also looking forward to how they’ll help improve the soil by fixing nitrogen.
I’ll be watching closely as the season goes on, and I can’t wait to share how it all turns out. If you’ve never tried growing your own peanuts, maybe this will be the year for you, too!
From Missed Windows to New Roots
So while my garden year didn’t start the way I hoped, this weekend felt like a fresh beginning.
Morning glories, butterfly pea, and peanuts may seem like an unusual trio, but each brings something special—beauty, charm, nourishment, and a quiet kind of resilience.
That feels just right for this season of life. Gardening in Florida has its own rhythm, and I’m still learning to dance with it after all these years.
Here’s to trying new things, giving old favorites another go, and always finding joy in what grows next.
Bonus Content
Each post, I’ll include links to other articles I’ve written that relate to this topic (if available), so you can explore more helpful tips and ideas.
You’ll also find affiliate links for Amazon or Botanical Interests to help you find the tools and seeds you need.
Thimble & Tansy participates in several affiliate marketing programs. This means that if you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support the maintenance of the blog and allow us to continue creating content for our readers.
To make your homemade journey even more rewarding, I’ll share a freebie or two each month, whether it’s a printable guide, checklist, or another resource to keep you inspired.
Finally, I’ll list the resources I used to create this blog for those who want to learn more.
Affiliate Links
Earthbox Garden Kit. My favorite container garden, hands down, is my EarthBox. I have three of them, and they’ve held up beautifully over the years—no small feat in the relentless Florida sun! They’re now available in four different colors, but it’s the function that really makes them shine.
EarthBoxes are incredibly easy to use, even for beginners, and they do an amazing job at keeping plants healthy and productive. The built-in reservoir holds up to 3 gallons of water, so your plants stay hydrated longer—especially helpful during those hot stretches when watering daily can feel like a chore.
With a mulch cover to reduce weeds and conserve moisture, and a compact size that fits perfectly on patios, porches, or balconies, it’s a smart and sturdy option for anyone wanting a reliable container garden. I can’t recommend them enough!
Vego Garden Raised Garden Bed Kit. Vego Garden offers raised garden beds in various heights to accommodate different gardening needs and preferences. Their standard options include:
- 11 inches: Ideal for shallow-rooted plants and gardeners who prefer a lower profile bed.
- 17 inches: A popular choice providing ample depth for most plants, allowing for healthy root development.
- 32 inches: Extra tall beds that minimize bending and strain, making gardening more accessible and comfortable.
Each height option is designed with durability and ease of assembly in mind, featuring a modular design that allows for various configurations to suit your garden space. The beds are constructed from corrosion-resistant metal, ensuring longevity even in challenging climates.
Freebie
- Connie Kresin, Freemotion by the River: Morning Glory Quilt Block Tutorial. This free pattern from Connie Kresin is a great way to use up your stash!
Additional Resources
- BBC Gardeners World Magazine: How to Grow Morning Glory
- National Peanut Board: 8 Simple Steps to Grow Your Own Peanuts at Home
- The Spruce: How to Grow and Care for Butterfly Pea Plant