Late April is an exciting time for growers across the Southwest. With warm temperatures and longer days, it’s the perfect moment to plant heat-loving crops and harvest early spring produce. This regional planting guide for the Southwest is designed to help both gardeners and farmers make the most of the season, while also giving consumers a glimpse of what they can expect to find at local markets.
What to Plant in the Southwest Right Now
In the Southwest, late April is prime time for planting summer crops that thrive in heat and sunshine. Here’s what’s ideal to sow now:
- Tomatoes & Peppers – If you haven’t already, get your transplants in the ground.
- Squash & Zucchini – These fast growers will thrive with the warmer soil.
- Cucumbers & Melons – Start from seed or transplants in well-drained soil.
- Beans – Both bush and pole beans can go in now for successive harvests.
- Corn – A great time to plant sweet corn for a midsummer harvest.
This regional planting guide for the Southwest also recommends planting herbs like basil, oregano, and cilantro, which love the sun and can handle drier conditions.
What’s Ready for Harvest
If you started cool-weather crops in late winter, you may already be harvesting:
- Lettuce & Spinach
- Radishes
- Snap Peas
- Carrots
- Beets
Many farms in the Southwest are also wrapping up harvests of citrus and early strawberries—perfect additions to local market offerings.
What to Expect at Local Markets
As a consumer, visiting local farmers markets or using platforms like Farm Trader in late April means you’ll likely find:
- Fresh leafy greens
- Spring carrots and radishes
- Early herbs and onions
- Strawberries and possibly late citrus
- Seedlings and starter plants for your own garden
Shopping from local farms helps support your region’s growers and gives you access to food that’s fresher and more nutrient-rich than what you’ll find at national chains.
Tips for Gardeners in the Southwest
- Mulch generously to help retain moisture in the heat.
- Water deeply and early in the day to avoid evaporation.
- Watch for pests like aphids and cucumber beetles as temperatures rise.
- Use shade cloth if you experience extreme heat waves late in the month.
Why This Matters
Whether you’re a seasoned grower or just planting your first pepper, following a regional planting guide for the Southwest ensures your garden thrives and your harvests are bountiful. And for consumers, it’s a reminder that buying local means getting produce that’s in season, grown nearby, and often more flavorful and nutrient-dense.
Stay Connected to Local Farms
Farm Trader is helping connect consumers directly to farmers, not just through names on a list, but by showing what they grow, when they grow it, and how you can buy it. Our goal is to make shopping from local farms as easy as it is convenient—right from your phone or computer.
