Planting calendar
April Planting Guide for Boston, MA: Raised Beds, Containers & In-Ground
April in Boston is ideal for planting cool-season crops in raised beds, containers, and in-ground gardens. You can sow hardy vegetables directly outdoors and start warm-season plants indoors to prepare for transplanting after the last frost. Focus on greens, root vegetables, and early herbs this month.
Plant now (quick list)
spinach, lettuce, kale, radishes, peas, carrots, onions (sets or seedlings), potatoes
Plant now
- spinach
- lettuce
- kale
- radishes
- peas
- carrots
- onions (sets or seedlings)
- potatoes
- chard
- beets
Start indoors
- tomatoes
- peppers
- eggplants
- basil
- celery
- broccoli
- cauliflower
- cabbage
- herbs like parsley and dill
- melons
Avoid
- beans (wait until after last frost)
- corn (too cold for direct sowing)
- cucumbers (wait until soil warms)
- squash (wait until warmer soil)
- pumpkins (too early)
- sweet potatoes
- eggplants (direct sowing outdoors)
- peppers (direct sowing outdoors)
- tomatoes (direct sowing outdoors)
- basil (direct sowing outdoors)
Next 2 weeks
- harden off indoor seedlings by gradually exposing them outdoors
- continue direct sowing peas and root crops
- monitor soil temperature for warm-season crops
- prepare soil with compost for summer planting
- thin seedlings for better air circulation
- mulch raised beds to retain moisture
- check containers for drainage
- watch for late frost warnings
- start planning succession planting for continuous harvest
- prune early fruit trees and berry bushes
FAQs
When is the last frost date in Boston, MA?
The average last frost date in Boston is around mid-April, but it can vary. It's safest to wait until late April or early May for frost-sensitive plants.
Can I plant tomatoes outdoors in April in Boston?
No, tomatoes are frost-sensitive. Start them indoors in April and transplant outdoors after the last frost when soil has warmed.
What vegetables grow best in raised beds in April?
Cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach, kale, radishes, and peas thrive in raised beds during April.
How do I protect seedlings from late frosts?
Use row covers, cloches, or bring containers indoors at night to protect young plants from unexpected frost.
Is it okay to start herbs indoors in April?
Yes, many herbs like basil, parsley, and dill do well when started indoors in April for transplanting later.
Next steps
Get a personalized planting plan
Answer a few questions and generate a plan for your exact location and setup.
Build your garden shopping list
Get a starter kit checklist for what you want to grow (with optional links).
Ask GrowGardens AI
Get quick answers and next-step guidance for your garden.
Want this page for a different city? Try the tool and enter your ZIP: Plant this month.