What to Plant in April (Plus City Planting Calendars)

April is the month where gardening splits into two realities: some places are fully in warm-season mode, while others are still living with cold nights and late frosts.

The best April plan is simple:

• Plant now: what your weather can handle today
• Start indoors: what you want ready for late April / May
• Avoid (for now): what’s likely to fail due to cold soil or heat swings

If you want the fastest answer for your exact location, use the ZIP-based tool:

• Plant this month: /tools/plant-this-month

April planting quick checklist

Plant now (many locations — adjust for frost risk)

• Cool-season greens: lettuce, spinach, kale, arugula
• Roots: radishes, carrots, beets, turnips
• Herbs: cilantro, parsley, dill
• Brassicas (cooler areas): broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower (transplants)

Start indoors (so you’re ready for late spring)

• Warm-season staples: tomatoes, peppers, eggplant
• Vining crops (if you want a head start): cucumbers, melons, squash
• Basil and other heat-loving herbs

Avoid (common April mistakes)

• Direct sowing warm-season crops into cold soil (beans/corn/squash can stall or rot)
• Transplanting heat lovers too early in frost-prone areas (tomatoes/peppers get set back)
• Overwatering seedlings during cold nights (fungal issues)

The April “next 2 weeks” plan

• Check your nighttime lows before transplanting warm-season plants
• Warm the soil (compost top-dress, cloches, black plastic in cooler areas)
• Harden off transplants (about 7 days)
• Mulch after soil warms to stabilize moisture and suppress weeds
• Watch early pests: aphids, slugs, caterpillars

City-by-city: April planting calendars

Start with the biggest cities below. If you’re not listed, just enter your ZIP and we’ll generate the right April list for you:

• Get your city plan: Plant this month

Top cities

• New York, NY
• Los Angeles, CA
• Chicago, IL
• Houston, TX
• Philadelphia, PA
• Phoenix, AZ
• San Antonio, TX
• San Diego, CA
• Dallas, TX
• San Jose, CA

Want more cities? Use the ZIP tool above — it’s more accurate than browsing a huge list.

FAQs

Can I plant tomatoes outside in April?

In warm climates, yes—often April is prime transplant time. In colder climates, it’s safer to start indoors and transplant after frost risk is gone.

What’s the easiest thing to plant in April for beginners?

Fast wins: radishes, lettuce, kale, and herbs (cilantro/dill).

Should I direct sow beans in April?

Only once soil is warm enough. If nights are still cold, wait—beans hate cold soil.

How do I know what’s right for my exact city?

Use the tool and enter your ZIP: /tools/plant-this-month