What to Do in Your April Garden When Spring Isn’t Here Yet (Northern Alberta Edition)

If you’re anything like me, you’re staring out at a yard still buried in snow… wondering when gardening season will actually begin.

Here in northern Alberta, April doesn’t mean planting—it means preparing smart so you don’t fall behind later.

The good news? There’s a LOT you can do right now.

What You Can Do Right Now (Even With Snow!)

1. Start Seeds Indoors (This is your BIG win)

Right now I am starting seeds indoors like:

• Tomatoes

• Peppers

• Broccoli

• Cabbage

• Herbs

👉 Tip: Use south-facing windows or grow lights—our daylight is getting stronger fast.

2. Plan Your Garden (This matters more than people think)

When planning this season's garden check back and ask yourself questions about last year.

• What actually grew well last year?

• What struggled?

• What do I actually eat?

👉 This is where great gardens are made—not in May.

3. Check & Prep Your Supplies

Before the rush to get into your garden it is important to be prepared and have your supplies ready to go. Prices will probably be going up this year as well so take stock of what you need now.

• Seeds (do you have what you need?)

• Soil & compost

• Pots & trays

• Fertilizer

👉 Nothing worse than scrambling when the snow finally melts.

4. Learn Your Timing (Critical in Alberta)

In areas like northern Alberta, your real planting window is short. Last frost can be happening in late May or even early June. You need ot be ready to get in the garden quickly once you can.

5. Snow Is Actually Helping You

Believe it or not, that snow helps to insulate the soil, adds moisture and protectx beneficila life underneath. It is a good thing. Remember —nature is doing its job.