Simple Roots Monthly Planting Series | Zone 5b–6a

Hi friends! April is finally here — can we all just take a deep breath of that fresh spring air and finally say goodbye to the snow? Hopefully Southern Ontario got the memo this time and we can put the shovels away for good. After a few false starts and teasing warm days, I think spring is officially ready to settle in. And oh, how we've been waiting.

April is when the soil begins to wake up, and so do we. It's that magical in-between where we look at our muddy boots and seed trays and see potential. If you’ve ever thought about starting a garden, this is your sign to start small, dig in, and let it grow from there — because that's exactly how our little homestead journey began.

🌱 Our Gardening Story (So Far...)

A couple of years ago, we decided to start a garden. Nothing huge, just a few raised beds and the desire to feed our family something fresh, homegrown, and a little more meaningful. We didn’t know everything (still don’t!), but we learned. We planted. We made mistakes. And every season, we grew not just food — but confidence.

Each year since, we’ve added more — more space, more compost, more late-night Pinterest planning sessions. And with the way the cost of living has climbed lately, the garden has become less of a hobby and more of a necessity. The less we have to rely on the grocery store, the better.

What we don’t eat fresh gets preserved — we can it, freeze dry it, dehydrate it — and tuck it all away for the colder months. Because it’s not just about this season… it’s about the next. And the one after that. Planning ahead has become a lifestyle around here.

This year, our dream is to take things to the next level: we’re hoping to turn the garden into a covered greenhouse. The idea of growing fresh veggies all year long and getting our hands in the dirt even in the dead of winter? That’s the kind of grounding we need to keep the winter blues at bay.

🫑 A Little Surprise in February...

Back in February, I came across a packet of pepper seeds and thought, “Why not?” I didn’t expect much. They were older seeds, and I wasn’t even sure where I’d put them once they sprouted.

But I tried anyway. And wouldn’t you know it? They sprouted! Now I’ve got 3-inch tall pepper plants soaking up sunshine in my bedroom window, resting happily on homemade wooden shelves I built just to fit snugly inside the frame. It’s a small joy, watching them grow every morning — a quiet reminder that sometimes, when you take a chance, beautiful things happen.

🌿 April Planting Guide (Zone 5b–6a Friendly)

Here’s what you can start now if you're in Southern Ontario or a similar climate!

🌱 Start Indoors

• Tomatoes 🍅
• Peppers 🌶️
• Eggplant 🍆
• Herbs – Basil, Oregano, Parsley, Thyme
• Cucumbers, Melons, Squash, & Pumpkins (late April)

🌞 Tip: Keep those trays warm with a heating mat or sunny window. These plants love the heat!

🪴 Direct Sow Outdoors (Early to Mid-April)

• Peas 🟢
• Spinach
• Radishes
• Carrots
• Beets
• Lettuce, Kale, Swiss Chard & Mixed Greens
• Onion Sets
• Potatoes 🥔 (after the soil warms a bit)

🧤 Tip: If your soil is still too soggy, wait a week or two — or plant under a row cover to warm it up quicker.

🌼 Helpful Growing Tips

• Grow What You’ll Eat: Don’t plant just because it’s “popular” — focus on what your family will actually enjoy eating.
• Use What You Have: A backyard isn’t required — windowsills, patios, porches, and balconies can all grow food.
• Grow Up: Trellis plants like cucumbers, peas, and beans to save space. You can plant shade-tolerant greens at their base — double win!
• Containers Are Gold: Buckets, totes, and even old dresser drawers can make wonderful planting containers.
• Don’t Overwhelm Yourself: It’s easy to do — trust me. Start small, grow what feels manageable, and build from there.
• Find Your Garden People: Whether it’s a neighbor, a local Facebook group, or a friend across the country — find someone to share with. Swap seeds, trade goods, share recipes, vent about failures, and brag about your tomato jungle when it happens.

🧹 April Garden Chores

• Clean out garden beds and add fresh compost
• Sharpen your tools & prep your watering setup
• Harden off indoor seedlings as the weather stabilizes
• Mulch walkways to keep weeds down
• Plan for succession planting (yes — that means more food over time!)
• Start prepping your greenhouse dreams if you're joining me on that adventure 🌱

👩‍🌾 Coming Soon: Companion Planting

If you're planting this month, you’ll want to make the most of your garden layout. In next week’s blog post, we’ll dive into companion planting — what works well together (and what doesn’t), plus a free printable to help you plan your space like a pro. Get ready to plant smarter, not harder!

💚 Final Thoughts

Every season brings a new chance to grow — in our gardens, and in our lives. Whether you're starting with a single pot of herbs on your windowsill or plotting out a full backyard transformation, just remember: it’s not about doing it perfectly. It’s about doing it purposefully.

This April, let’s plant with hope, with intention, and with love. Let’s grow food not just for today, but for the seasons ahead. Let’s find peace in the process, joy in the dirt under our nails, and strength in the small wins — like a pepper plant that almost didn’t happen, but did.

💬 What are you planting this month? Share your plans below or tag me on socials — I’d love to cheer you on!

🌿 "Plant seeds of kindness, water them with love, and watch your life grow beautifully simple."